1274–1439

The Filioque at the Councils of Union: Lyons (1274) and Florence (1439)

In late Byzantine polemic, Eastern critics insisted that the interpolation was illegitimate liturgically and juridically even if it could be accepted theologically, and that there are as many principles in the Godhead as there are hypostases from which the Spirit proceeds. The Latins rejected the charge of "two principles": the Council of Lyons (1274) anathematized both those who denied the Filioque and those who asserted two principles. The Council of Florence adopted the formula "from the Father through the Son," which Eastern opponents regarded as a Latin trick, and in the decree of 1439 the East, under pressure of the Turkish threat, accepted the filioque together with the doctrine of purgatory and recognition of the pope as head of the whole church. After the delegates returned, the Eastern churches rejected the decree.