Constantine V was unpopularly known as Constantine Copronymus. His nickname literally means “named crap.” The legend runs that, as a baby, he lost control in the baptismal font as the priest was pronouncing his name. Some versions claim that he soiled the imperial purple swaddling clothes. It’s possible that he did both, but more likely that both stories are just allegories. In 754 Constantine convened a stacked synod to condemn the devotional use of images. He later turned up the heat, opposing also the veneration of relics and intercessory prayers to the saints. The monuments of the saints, and even their human remains, were desecrated. For all this Constantine was deeply despised by his subjects. After he died, his own remains were thrown into the sea.
Check out On the Divine Images for more information about the iconoclastic controversy.
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You’re Constantine Copronymus!
Constantine V was unpopularly known as Constantine Copronymus. His nickname literally means “named crap.” The legend runs that, as a baby, he lost control in the baptismal font as the priest was pronouncing his name. Some versions claim that he soiled the imperial purple swaddling clothes. It’s possible that he did both, but more likely that both stories are just allegories. In 754 Constantine convened a stacked synod to condemn the devotional use of images. He later turned up the heat, opposing also the veneration of relics and intercessory prayers to the saints. The monuments of the saints, and even their human remains, were desecrated. For all this Constantine was deeply despised by his subjects. After he died, his own remains were thrown into the sea.
Find out which Byzantine ruler you are at The Way of the Fathers!
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