Ecclesiastical hierarchies and abuses of power in the Eastern Churches: an analysis from the Acts of the Councils of Ephesus II (449) and Chalcedon (451)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the political status of the late-antique in the Pars Orientis of the Imperium. Usually studied as a reflection of the ideal representation given by the Patristic sources, the officium episcopalis emerges from the Acta of the Councils through the realistic features of a public identity, moulded by bureaucratic and administrative experience. Converted into the most important official in many cities of the East Roman Empire, due to his economical strength and privileges, and to activities not compatible with a correct exercise of his pastoral and sacerdotal ministry, the bishop enjoyed a strategic role and an unlimited leadership: this was the case of Dioscorus, bishop of Alexandria in the second half of the fifth century.