Veccus the Emperor and the Question of Church Union

The Trial That Never Happened

When Emperor Michael VIII decided to punish John Veccus, he ordered a court to try him. But the judges refused. They argued that since Veccus was a priest serving under the Patriarch of Constantinople, they could not judge him without the patriarch’s permission. Because no such order was given, the trial could not continue.

At this critical moment, Veccus met the emperor. He offered a peaceful solution: he would resign his position, give up his salary, and even go into exile. However, Michael ignored his request and gave him no reply. Realizing that his situation was dangerous, Veccus sought refuge in the great church of Hagia Sophia. There he waited anxiously for the emperor’s final decision.

Betrayal and Imprisonment

Soon after, Veccus received an imperial order written in red ink, a traditional sign of respect and a guarantee of safety. Believing this meant protection, he obeyed and set out for the palace. Yet, on the way, he was suddenly betrayed. Varangian guards seized him and carried him to the prison of Anemas, one of Constantinople’s most dreaded dungeons Private Balkan Tours.

With Veccus locked away, Michael VIII felt freer to continue his plans for the union of the Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic Churches.

A Debate Through Writings

In order to defend the union, Michael ordered scholars to collect passages from famous theologians that supported the Latin Church’s orthodoxy. These texts were then given to the patriarch and his clergy. The patriarch answered with a list of opposite passages showing the Latins’ supposed errors. The debate reached a standstill.

Then someone proposed an idea: why not send the first list of writings to Veccus in prison? Since he was such a strong opponent, if he could be persuaded, others might follow. The emperor agreed.

A Change of Mind

When Veccus read the passages, he admitted that the arguments in favor of church union were stronger than he had thought. Still, he was not fully convinced. He explained that he could not rely on short extracts taken out of context. He asked to study the full works from which the quotations had been drawn. Veccus also confessed that he was better trained in classical Greek authors than in the writings of the Church Fathers, and so needed more study.

Surprisingly, his request was granted. He was released from prison and given the necessary books. Over time, as he studied more carefully, Veccus began to change his position.

Union at Lyons and Patriarch of Constantinople

Eventually, Veccus accepted the emperor’s view and supported the union of the Churches. With his help, preparations for reconciliation moved forward rapidly. Delegates from Constantinople were sent to the Council of Lyons in France. On June 29, 1274, a formal agreement of union was signed, at least in theory, between the Eastern and Western Churches.

As a reward for his new loyalty, Veccus was elevated to the highest religious office in Byzantium. On June 2, 1275, he became Patriarch of Constantinople, a remarkable change for a man who had once been imprisoned for resisting the emperor’s policy.

The story of Veccus shows how political pressure, personal study, and imperial ambition could reshape even the strongest convictions. Once an outspoken critic of church union, he ended his life as the emperor’s partner in the project. His rise from prisoner in the Tower of Anemas to Patriarch of Constantinople highlights both the dangers and opportunities of serving under Byzantine rulers.