The Great Schism of 1054: A Historical Debate

Image: The Enthronement of Michael Cerularius, Patriarch of Constantinople. Unknown, 13th-century author of History of John Skylitzes, Skyllitzes Matritensis, Biblioteca Nacional de España, fol. 225r. Wikimedia Creative Commons

Experience a vibrant re-enactment of the Great Schism of 1054, which marked the rupture between the Western Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The Great Schism of 1054 marked the final rupture between the Western Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, a split years in the making. Tensions had been growing over cultural, theological, and political differences between the Roman and Byzantine churches. On July 16, 1054, the conflict reached a dramatic climax when Cardinal Humbert, Pope Leo IX’s legate, stormed into Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia. With a single act, he placed a Papal Bull on the altar, excommunicating Patriarch Michael Cerularius and sealing the divide.

This historic moment wasn’t just about one disagreement—it was a culmination of complex issues, from the role of the Pope to the nature of the Holy Spirit.

Building on the success of the 2023 ‘original sin’ debate, join Professor Tim Boatswain and Stephen de Silva in another vibrant re-enactment of an intense confrontation. The audience will witness Cardinal Humbert and Patriarch Cerularius clash over the key issues that led to the division of Christendom, experiencing first-hand the tensions that altered the course of history.

Please note that this event will be delivered in-person only and will not be recorded.

To book, go to the Cathedral website:

https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/the-great-schism-of-1054-a-historical-debate