Council of Seleucia: The Divided Synod of 359
The Council of Seleucia was a pivotal early Christian church synod held in Seleucia Isauria (modern-day Silifke, Turkey). Occurring during a period of intense theological instability, the council sought to resolve the Arian controversy—a deep division within the 4th-century church regarding the nature of the divinity of Jesus Christ.
The assembly was not the original plan. In 358, Roman Emperor Constantius II requested two separate councils to settle the dispute: one for western bishops at Ariminum and one for eastern bishops at Nicomedia. However, a devastating earthquake struck Nicomedia, destroying the city and killing its bishop, Cecropius. While opponents of Arianism viewed the disaster as divine retribution, the practical result was a change in venue. After objections to Tarsus and Nicaea, the eastern council was relocated to Seleucia, convening on September 27, 359.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Date: September 27, 359 AD.
- Location: Seleucia Isauria (Silifke, Turkey).
- Purpose: To resolve the Arian controversy over the divinity of Christ.
- Attendance: Approximately 160 bishops officially, though some accounts suggest a thousand or more attended.
- Outcome: The council ended in a bitter split, with opposing parties excommunicating one another.
Procedural Chaos and Theological Conflict
From its inception, the Council of Seleucia was marked by procedural irregularity and personal animosity. The assembly was split between those who wanted to address legal and credential charges against certain bishops before discussing theology, and those who wished to prioritize the faith statements.
The Initial Divide
Acacius of Caesarea, George of Alexandria, Uranius of Tyre, and Eudoxius of Antioch argued that the council should first resolve charges against bishops such as Basil of Ancyra, Macedonius I of Constantinople, and Patrophilus. Conversely, George of Laodicea, Sophronius of Pompeiopolis, and Eleusius of Cyzicus pushed to vote on theological matters first. The latter group won the initial procedural votes.
On the second day, George of Laodicea opened the council to Basil and his allies while excluding Acacius and his opponents. This group reaffirmed the Creed of Antioch (341), which stated that the Son was of "similar substance" to the Father.
The Compromise Attempt
In subsequent days, in an effort to find a broader consensus, Basil and his party abstained from attendance, allowing Acacius and his followers to meet. Acacius proposed a new creed designed as a middle ground. He sought to avoid the controversial terms homoousion (same substance) and homoiousion (similar substance), as neither appeared in the Scriptures. Instead, he proposed the term homoion (like), asserting that the Son was "like the Father." This proposal also explicitly condemned Anomoeanism (the belief that the Son is unlike the Father).
The Final Split and Aftermath
Despite the attempt at compromise, the council collapsed into mutual condemnation. Basil, George of Laodicea, and their faction deposed or excommunicated their rivals, including Acacius, George of Alexandria, and Eudoxius of Antioch. Acacius and his party, along with the Anomoeans, challenged these decisions.
The failure at Seleucia left the eastern church fractured. Consequently, later that year, Emperor Constantius called for another council in Constantinople to evaluate the results of the Ariminum meeting and attempt to heal the rift created at Seleucia.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Conflict | The nature of the divinity of Jesus Christ (Arian controversy) |
| Key Figures | Acacius of Caesarea, Basil of Ancyra, George of Laodicea |
| Proposed Terminology | Homoion (Like) as a compromise for Homoousion/Homoiousion |
| Result | Mutual excommunications and a divided church |
| Successor Event | Council of Constantinople (360 AD) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the council moved from Nicomedia to Seleucia?
An earthquake destroyed Nicomedia and killed Bishop Cecropius, making the city unsuitable for the assembly. Seleucia was chosen after other proposed cities, such as Tarsus and Nicaea, were rejected by key bishops.
What was the significance of the term "homoion"?
Proposed by Acacius of Caesarea, "homoion" (meaning "like") was intended as a scriptural compromise to avoid the divisive technical terms "homoousion" (same substance) and "homoiousion" (similar substance).
Who were the main opposing factions at the council?
The council was split between a group led by George of Laodicea and Basil of Ancyra, who supported the Creed of Antioch, and a group led by Acacius of Caesarea, who sought a new, compromising creed.
What happened to the bishops who were deposed?
The decisions were highly contested. While one faction deposed figures like Acacius and Eudoxius, these decisions were challenged by the deposed bishops themselves and the Anomoeans, leading to further instability until the Council of Constantinople.