History of Patriarchates

[smad0142]

What are the earliest references to Patriarchs? When were they first created? Thanks!

[Vico]

Justinian The Great applied the title to Rome, according to Milton Anastos.


http://www.myriobiblos.gr/texts/english/milton1_21.html

[smad0142]

Any refereneces before then, especially regarding the four other patriarchates?

[Vico]

This is the earliest reference I know of, from Justinian I, Novella 131, Chapter 2, ~534 A.D.:

CHAPTER II.

CONCERNING THE PRECEDENCE OF PATRIARCHS.
Hence, in accordance with the provisions of these Councils, We order that the Most Holy Pope of ancient Rome shall hold the first rank of all the Pontiffs, but the Most Blessed Archbishop of Constantinople, or New Rome, shall occupy the second place after the Holy Apostolic See of ancient Rome, which shall take precedence over all other sees.

http://webu2.upmf-grenoble.fr/Haiti/...N131_Scott.htm


Rome fell in 476 AD when Roman emperor Romulus Augustulus was deposed by the Germanic prince Odovacar.

[Peter J]

Help me understand bishop/patriarch hierarchy contains a lot of information.

[Peter J]

Originally Posted by smad0142

when were they first created? Thanks!

iirc 325.

[smad0142]

Originally Posted by Peter J

iirc 325.

Any source?

[Vico]

Originally Posted by smad0142

Any source?

Patriarchates are not mentioned at First Council of Nicea, bishop and metropolitan terms are used, Aelia is Jerusalem (I believe):

1. The ancient customs of Egypt, Libya and Pentapolis shall be maintained, according to which the bishop of Alexandria has authority over all these places since a similar custom exists with reference to the bishop of Rome. Similarly in Antioch and the other provinces the prerogatives of the churches are to be preserved. In general the following principle is evident: if anyone is made bishop without the consent of the metropolitan, this great synod determines that such a one shall not be a bishop. If however two or three by reason of personal rivalry dissent from the common vote of all, provided it is reasonable and in accordance with the church's canon, the vote of the majority shall prevail.
2. Since there prevails a custom and ancient tradition to the effect that the bishop of Aelia is to be honoured, let him be granted everything consequent upon this honour, saving the dignity proper to the metropolitan.

http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/1ecumen.htm

[Peter J]

Originally Posted by smad0142

Any source?

Sorry, I guess you were asking when the specific title "Patriarch" was applied to them. That I don't know.