The Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Civil Wars in Byzantium in the Middle of the 14th Century (Stating the Problem)

Introduction. This work aims to highlight features of the relationship between Church and State in Byzantium in the period from 1341 to 1357, i.e. during the civil wars, through the systematization and typology of source material. Various types of sources are involved in the study. Its relevance is determined by the insufficient coverage of this aspect in domestic and foreign historiography. Methods and materials. The work uses a systematic approach, as well as a deep analysis of written sources. Analysis. Based on the analysis of written sources, we find out the degree of involvement of the patriarchs of Constantinople in the civil wars in the middle of the 14th century, which is defined as 1) the direct participation of the patriarchs in the civil wars; 2) the use of patriarchs for their own purposes by participants of these conflicts; and 3) the covert participation of patriarchs in the conflicts. Results. It turns out that the role that the church played in the political events of this period was quite high.