Isidore I of Constantinople

Isidore I of Constantinople was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 1347 to 1350. Isidore was a disciple of Gregory Palamas.

Early life

Isidore was an ethnic Greek born in Thessaloniki during the latter part of the 1290s where he became a teacher and spiritual guide.

Career

As a disciple of Pope Gregory I, he was drawn into the dispute between the followers of Gregory Palamas and Barlaam of Seminara over Hesychasm during the middle decades of the fourteenth century.

Synod of 1344

In 1344, Isidore, who was at the time the bishop elect of Monemvasia, and Gregory Palamas were excommunicated by a synod of anti-hesychast bishops that had been convened by Patriarch John XIV of Constantinople who himself was an opponent of Saint Gregory.
Palamas and Isidore I recanted.

Synods of 1347

In February 1347, during a synod convened by emperor John VI Kantakouzenos, Patriarch John XIV of Constantinople was deposed and Isidore brought back and elected to succeed John XIV as patriarch of Constantinople. Upon becoming patriarch, Isidore I released Gregory Palamas from prison and consecrated him Metropolis of Thessaloniki.

Patriarchate

During the two and a half years of his patriarchate, Isidore I sought to have the whole Byzantine Church accept the Palamite dogmas. He selected bishops only from the Palamite party. He instituted harsh penalties for those who refused to submit.