Photian
/ˈfəʊʃ(ə)n/Church History
adjective
Of or relating to Photius, patriarch of Constantinople. Formerly also, in polemical use: †belonging to, relating to, or designating the Eastern Orthodox churches (obsolete ).
- Photian schism: a brief schism between the Eastern and Western Churches in the 860s following the mutual excommunications of Photius and Pope Nicholas I; the latter supported Ignatius's claim to the patriarchy against the former..
noun
A follower or supporter of Photius, especially in his conflicts with Ignatius, his predecessor as Patriarch, who claimed to have been unjustly deposed from the patriarchate. Formerly also: †a member of an Eastern Orthodox Church (obsolete ).
Origin
Early 17th century. From post-classical Latin Photianus from Photius (Byzantine Greek Φώτιος), the name of an eminent Byzantine scholar and Patriarch of Constantinople (858–67 and 877–86) + -anus.