In the previous article, we spoke of the Anastasius I’s tenure which is notorious for wars and religious conflicts. Justin succeeded him, to be succeeded by his nephew Justinian, a significant emperor and, probably, the last to count Latin first language! His tenure was called the period of “restoration of the empire”. Also, he was called “the last Roman” and “the emperor who never sleeps” on account of his work habits. Justinian was quite keen on judicial reforms and making a complete review of the Roman law. Likewise, he was keen on religious reform.
We stopped at Justinian’s love and care for Egypt and her commercial welfare. Also, we mentioned of the pagarch’s injustice and his laying heavy fines and taxes on the people of Alexandria, banishing whoever evaded paying.
Justinian and Theodora
Justinian married the stunning Theodora who greatly influenced him. She used to strengthen him at times of rebellions, refusing to leave the country, until he settled down.
Being an Orthodox, she played a major role in alleviating the Copts’ suffering induced by the emperor who persecuted the Church of Alexandria and the Egyptians due to their refusal to follow an incorrect creed.
Pope Theodorus I, the thirty-third patriarch, was deeply troubled by the Melchites. So much so that he stayed away from St. Mark’s See for two years. So, the Egyptians asked their ruler to restore the Pope. Due to their immense anger and persistence, he got scared and sent a message telling the Empress what had happened. She told her husband who gave her the green light. She acted wisely; so, the Pope returned to his See.
No sooner had matters settled down than the Emperor asked the patriarch to spread the Melchite creed, promising him to grant him the patriarchate and the tenure of Egypt, as well as authority on all the bishops of Africa, otherwise he should leave the Church. Pope Theodorus refused to abandon his faith. So, he left the church and headed to Upper Egypt in order to teach and strengthen the congregation.
No sooner had the Emperor known this, than he appointed a Paul of Nyssa patriarch of Egypt and sent him escorted with many guards. As usual, the Egyptians did not accept him. Matters remained thus for a year. Finding that the Egyptians rejected him, he resorted to the Emperor who got furious and ordered that all the churches in Alexandria be closed down. He prevented everybody from entering them, which saddened the Egyptians. Yet, they built other churches to pray of which one was called the Angelic Church. When the Emperor got to know, he had all the churches opened and put them under his followers’ control. Paul the Melchite was not just hated by the Egyptians, but by some Romans as well for his cruelty. In fact, he had a deacon tormented to death. The deacon’s family complained to the Emperor who, having made sure, deposed and banished Paul.
Then, the Emperor appointed another patriarch called Zealous who was also rejected by the Egyptians: for they wanted none but Pope Theodorus. So they treated him in like manner they treated Paul.
Throughout, Empress Theodora and the sages of the court did not like the way the Emperor treated the Orthodox. So, they used to help the persecuted and the prisoners. Moreover, the Empress advised her husband to be moderate, which he did. However, after a short time, he started persecuting the Orthodox and ransacking their churches.
Sedition occurred in Alexandria. The Jews took advantage and killed many Christians. Likewise, the Melchites were quite violent with the Egyptians who grew furious with the Emperor. In effect, a great animosity broke out between the Egyptians and the Romans. They were split into two factions: the green Egyptians and the blue Romans.
Additionally, the rulers of Egypt increased the gap between Egypt and the Empire: for they helped the Emperor strip the patriarchs off their rights. Thus, the Copts felt wronged. In effect, they stopped using the Greek language in their churches and started reusing their mother tongue, translating religious books into it. After Justinian’s death, Justin II became Emperor.
Justin II (565-578 A.D.)
After Justinian’s death, the elites enthroned his nephew Justin, having named him heir apparent before his death. Some historians maintain that this will was incorrect. Yet, Justin and his wife Sophia went to the palace and were crowned on the following day by the patriarch of Constantinople.
No sooner had Justin become Emperor, than he started paying his predecessor’s debts and reducing costs. He had a good reputation, and was just. So, his subjects loved him, counting him a gift from God. Also, he declared tolerance amongst Christian sects, which led to some quietude. Yet, by the beginning of 571, he started persecuting the Orthodox!
The Emperor became cruel and lustful. He left the state’s affairs to his wife, which led to the country’ deterioration: as the empress had reported the good commander Narcissus (who was keen on the Empire’s welfare) to her husband. So, the latter deposed him.
Moreover, Justin II violated the treaty between Persia and the Empire, which led to the outbreak of war. The Persians raided Roman provinces, killed and imprisoned many people. Also, they raided Syria and seized Dara castle which was one of the important fortresses there. Westwards, the Emperor could not stop the Lombardian tribes, led by Alboin, from attacking Italy in 568. In effect, they raided lots of Italian lands in a few years.
His tenure was notorious on account of his cruelty. His wife asked him to adopt Tiberius Constantine, which he did. He elevated him Caesar in 574. Fred Orton, a historian, asserts that, “Justin was a strict person. He was amazed by the glory of his predecessor. Yet, he was destined to rule a weak Empire which was enfeebled by tribulations and rebellions… Concerning foreign affairs, he played the invincible Roman, which led to disasters on account of being unrealistic. Thus, he ended up mentally ailed. The foreign powers which he tried to deceive with his arrogance were fully aware of his devastated condition as well as that of the Roman army.”
It is said that Emperor Justin II became mentally ailed. He used to roam the palace on wheels and bite people! Also, he used to conduct concerts therein to appease his mind and soul. At that time, the Empire was ruled by Sophia and Tiberius Constantine. This lasted for four years.
Concerning Egypt, he allowed people to choose the creed they liked, which made the Coptic Church restore some of her robbed churches. Egyptians became calmer, and … Stories will never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
