In his book D.E. Afinogenov explores the history of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 784-847. mainly from two points of view. First of all, the scientist examines the relationship between the patriarchs of Sts. Tarasius, Nikephoros and Methodius and their supporters with the imperial power, which more than once acted as the main instigator of persecution of icon veneration; in addition, the historian draws attention to the relationship of the patriarchate at this time with the monasticism of the Studite monastery in Constantinople. The researcher should be credited with the publication in the appendices of the Life of Nikita of Nicomedia, Methodius's epistle to the Patriarch of Jerusalem, his "Tales on the Holy Icons" and "Tales on the Expulsion of Nicephorus" by Presbyter Theophan.

CONTENTS: PREFACE 5Chapter I. TARASIUS 11Chapter II. NIKIFOR (806-813) 39Chapter III. RESUMPTION OF ICONOCLASM AND ORTHODOX RESISTANCE 59Chapter IV. METHODIUS 85Chapter V. ICONOCLASM - DOGMATIC ERROR OR ABUSE OF POWER 116Chapter VI. CHRONICLE OF GEORGE AMARTOL 132CONCLUSION 149APPENDICES: Hagiography and history 153Life of Nikitas of Midice 156Message of Patriarch Methodius 179Methodius. Word about Holy Icons 182 Word of Theophan the Presbyter 196 INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES AND GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES 204 BIBLIOGRAPHY 208