A Greek Démarche on the Eve of the Council of Florence
Walter Ullmann
Despite the superabundance of material available for historical preliminaries and progress Council Ferrara-Florence, there is a source which to all intents purposes has been neglected has, therefore, remained outside purview historiography concerning this critical Council. In more than one respect sheds significant light on attitudes, mechanics state mind at least some Greek sections their aspirations in matter union Latin Churches. The not an official document but, as we shall presently see, memorandum or, use Foreign Office jargon, minute by highly placed who was either his private or public capacity any way involved reported. demands attention several counts. It records unexpected approach part Greeks duke Milan shortly before Eugenius IV decided transfer from Ferrara Florence. record reveals, like flashlight, how much diplomatic activity going corridors power, couloirs, backrooms safely removed gaze public, annalists, shorthand writers, forerunners modern journalists media, that say, diarists, eavesdroppers reporters appointed various European courts seat This only informs posterity abortive, but nonetheless very symptomatic intended settle question radical means. Above all, faithfully reflects age-old Byzantine ideology reached back into somewhat hazy ancient Roman period had matured over millennium manifestly linked Nea Roma with antiquity. core tenor associates continuity law, combination served ingredient, nay, anima gave birth to, shaped future of, Church realms.
The Journal of Ecclesiastical History