Abstract
This article examins the hypothesis published in 2013 by Marek Jankowiak, according to which Pope John IV in his so-called Apologia Honorii (CPL 1729) and Maximos Homologetes independently “invented” a dyotheletic Christology for the first time. For that purpose, this letter by John IV is analysed with regard to its sources, its text and the context of its composition. It is shown that the letter, which is preserved only in a Latin retranslation from Greek by Anastasius Bibliothecarius made in 874/75, originally referred only the monothelistic statement of Pope Honorius to the human nature of Christ. The dyotheletic statements, which can also be found in the text, are the result of later updating. This updating begins already in the 7th century in the circle of Maximos’ followers. Here, as well as in the context of the oldest tradition at Anastasius Biliothecarius in the so-called Photian Schism, the conflict-oriented interest in an unlimited authority of the papacy stands in the background. The “invention” of the theologoumenon of a double will in Christ should be assigned exclusively to Maximos Homologetes.
© 2017 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston
