What was Mark of Ephesus's role in the East-West Schism?

Mark of Ephesus was a prominent hesychast theologian and archbishop who became the leader of the Orthodox opposition to the Union of Florence. Initially favorable to union talks, he ultimately rejected Western Church teachings as inconsistent with Ecumenical Councils. His firm stance solidified his reputation as a pillar of Eastern Orthodoxy.

What we know

• Mark of Ephesus was a hesychast theologian of the late Palaiologan period who became famous for rejecting the Council of Ferrara-Florence, an event connected to broader East-West Church relations. [2, 3]
• He served as Metropolitan of Ephesus and as a delegate for the Patriarch of Alexandria during the synod. [2]
• Although initially favorable toward accepting union, Mark authored several critical works and concluded that Western teachings were inconsistent with Ecumenical Councils, paralleling historical divisions between Christian groups. [2, 3]
• Mark became the leader of the Orthodox opposition against the Union of Florence, acting as a key defender of Eastern Orthodoxy. [2]

Where to go next

• whoWho was Mark of Ephesus?
• what caused itWhat occurred at the Council of Ferrara-Florence?
• what followedHow did Catholic-Eastern Orthodox relations evolve after the schism?
• the bigger pictureWhat are the core principles of Christian theology?
• an unexpected connectionWho are the Crimean Karaites?

Sources

• [1]Mark of Ephesus (Wikidata Q738727) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Mark of Ephesus · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Catholic–Eastern Orthodox relations · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Crimean Karaites · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Christian theology · CC BY-SA 4.0