THE PRECIOUS ANNIVERSARIES OF THE TWO CATHOLIC COUNCILS – 1470TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SECOND COUNCIL OF CONSTANTINOPLE (553) AND THE 900TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST LATERAN COUNCIL (1123)

Abstract

The Christian world and the Catholic Church are commemorating the anniversaries of two Councils of the Catholic Church. Although the two Councils were separated by 570 years, they were of great importance in developing religious life. The Councils took place in difficult historical epochs. The Church was wracked by its internal contradictions, and pressures from the worldly powers of the time were bearing down on it from the outside. In addition to the problems of the Catholic Church’s relations with the world, the study characterizes the significant figures of theology, spiritual life, and religious philosophy at the time. It pays particular attention to the contradictory popes who deepened rather than successfully resolved the crises of the time during their papal tenure. Despite all the vicissitudes of history, however, both councils strengthened the authority of the Church, even though, for example, the Lateran Council did not adopt any final dogmas.