On This Day

Second Council of Constantinople (5th ecumenical council) opens

The Second Council of Constantinople is the fifth of the first seven ecumenical councils recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.

The Second Council of Constantinople is the fifth of the first seven ecumenical councils recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. It is also recognized by the Old Catholics and others. Protestant opinions and recognition of it are varied. Some Protestants, such as Calvinists, recognize the first four councils, whereas Lutherans and most Anglo-Catholics accept all seven. Constantinople II was convoked by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I under the presidency of Patriarch Eutychius of Constantinople. It was held from 5 May to 2 June 553.

Historical Significance

The Second Council of Constantinople is the fifth of the first seven ecumenical councils recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.

Events Before

  1. Ostrogoths of King Totila conquer Rome by bribing the Byzantine garrison during the Gothic War

    Ostrogoths of King Totila conquer Rome by bribing the Byzantine garrison during the Gothic War

  2. Gothic War (535-552): The Ostrogoths, under King Totila, conquer Rome after a long siege, by bribing the Isaurian garris

    Gothic War (535-552): The Ostrogoths, under King Totila, conquer Rome after a long siege, by bribing the Isaurian garrison

  3. Origin of Armenian calendar

    The Armenian calendar is the calendar traditionally used in Armenia, primarily during the medieval ages.

Events After

  1. Ravenna becomes the seat of the Byzantine military governor in Italy

    Ravennaa] ; Romagnol: Ravèna, Ravêna) is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy.

  2. Vigilius ends his reign as Catholic Pope

    Vigilius ends his reign as Catholic Pope

  3. Pelagius I begins his reign as Catholic Pope

    Pelagius I begins his reign as Catholic Pope

  4. Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, is significantly damaged by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake

    Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, is significantly damaged by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake

  5. John III begins his reign as Catholic Pope succeeding Pelagius I

    John III begins his reign as Catholic Pope succeeding Pelagius I

More from the 550s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on May 5, 553?
The Second Council of Constantinople is the fifth of the first seven ecumenical councils recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. It is also recognized by the Old Catholics and others. Protestant opinions and recognition of it are varied.
Why is Second Council of Constantinople (5th ecumenical council) opens significant?
The Second Council of Constantinople is the fifth of the first seven ecumenical councils recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.

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