Georgios Tornikes, man of letters and metropolitan of Ephesos L XI / M XII
Γεώργιος (Georgios 25002)
(Unspecified)
(null)
Narrative
(34)
Authorship
(30)
He confirmed to
Anonymus 25074
the accuracy of his prediction that Georgios would be metropolitan of Ephesos, and asked help for preparations planned by
Euthymios 25001
; Georgios was now a priest, and would soon come, unless
Manuel 1
returned
Τῷ Σμύρνης. Tornikes, Georgios 145.1-147.6
He told
Isaakios 105
he had changed his mind over the appointment of
Anonymus 725
as bishop of Pyrgion, and would now support it; he was also worried because ignorant, at Ephesos, of the outcome of the synod he and Isaakios had attended
Τῷ υἱῷ τοῦ μεγάλου δρουγγαρίου κυροῦ Κωνσταντίνου κυρῷ Ἰωάννῃ τῷ Κομνηνῷ. Tornikes, Georgios 165.1-166.15
He wrote a letter to pope
Adrianos 24
in the persona of
Manuel 1
, replying to a letter of Adrianos, who rejoiced that Manuel favoured Church unity (as claimed by Robert 17002); the letter strongly supported unity, but stressed the importance of the church of Constantinople
Πρὸς τὸν πάπαν ῾Ρώμης ὡς έκ προσώπου τοῦ βασιλέως. Tornikes, Georgios 325.1-335.23
He wrote a letter to the patriarchal official
Konstantinos 270
, warning him to struggle against those spreading impious doctrined (
Soterichos 17001
etc., and to support the patriarch, as Georgios would if present
Τῷ γραμματικῷ τοῦ πατριάρχου καὶ ὑπομιμνῄσκοντι τῷ Βουκινάτορι. Tornikes, Georgios 178.1-179.12
He wrote a triumphant introduction to the speech he gave when promoted didaskalos of the Psalter by the patriarch
Kosmas 12
, associating with his text the didaskaloi of the Gospels and Epistles; as always, the subject was an encomium of the patriarch
Προοίμιον ὅτε προεβλήθη διδάσκαλος τοῦ ψαλτῆρος παρὰ τοῦ πατριάρχου κυροῦ Κοσμᾶ τοῦ Ἀττικοῦ. Tornikes, Georgios 74.1-85.23
He wrote an encomiastic logos after the death of
Anna 62
Λόγος ἐπὶ τῷ θανάτῳ τῆς πορφυρογεννήτου κυρᾶς Ἄννης τῆς καισαρίσσης. Tornikes, Georgios 221.1-323.6
He wrote an introduction to a Christmas lesson given on patriarchal instructions, when his successor as didaskalos of the Gospels (
Michael 25003
) had to be away with
Manuel 1
; the text explains his reappearance just after giving up the post
Προοίμιον διδασκαλίας λεχθὲν ὄτε προσετάχθη παρὰ τοῦ πατριάρχου διδάξαι, ἀποδημοῦντος τοῦ τότε ῥήτορος καὶ οἰκουμενικοῦ διδασκάλου. Tornikes, Georgios 101.1-106.4
He wrote an introduction to the lesson he gave when promoted didaskalos of the Gospels by the patriarch (probably
Theodotos 12
, not
Nikolaos 14
); as always, the subject was an encomium of the patriarch
Προοίμιον διδασκαλίας ὅτε προεβλήθη εἰς τὸ Εὐαγγέλιον. Tornikes, Georgios 88.1-99.15
He wrote as metropolitan-elect of Ephesos to
Ioannes 25008
, very close to
Manuel 1
; though an impractical scholar, he could not refuse the see, despite its huge problems; Ioannes should embody the Holy Spirit which alone could bring him success
Τῷ σεβαστῷ καὶ λογθέτῃ τοῦ δρόμου κῦρ Ἰωάννῃ τῷ Καματηρῷ. Tornikes, Georgios 137.1-139.11
He wrote three letters to
Ioannes 25008
: the first recommended its carrier,
Anonymus 265
, the second sought to clarify reported words of Ioannes which seemed not supportive of Georgios, the third also recommended its carrier,
Anonymus 25070
Ἰωάννῃ τῷ Καματηρῷ (x3). Tornikes, Georgios 127.1-134.21
He wrote to
Andronikos 1
in favour of his brother
Demetrios 152
, when both were in Branicevo, associating his other brother
Leon 25002
with the request made: would Andronikos please continue his generous support of Demetrios?
Tornikes, Georgios 108.1-111.23
He wrote to
Georgios 20103
, giving canonical reponses as hypomnematographos to two questions concerning marriage; he also spoke about
Euthymios 25001
, and recommended
Anonymus 25058
for assistance
Τῷ μητροπολίτῃ Ἀθηνῶν. Tornikes, Georgios 113.1-116.12
He wrote to
Georgios 20103
, apologising for asking a favour after a silence, recommending
Anonymus 25060
; he described the patriarchate as dead, an organism without a head, but anonymous libels were flying
Τῷ ἱερωτάτῳ μητροπολίτῃ Ἀθηνῶν. Tornikes, Georgios 117.1-119.14
He wrote to
Georgios 20103
on the latter's return from Dyrrachion, about the mischief caused by
Soterichos 17001
through accusations of Bogomilism against
Theodotos 12
,
Georgios 20103
and Georgios Tornikios himself; he mentioned several others at the end
Πρὸς αὐτὸν ἐκ τοῦ Δυρραχίου ὑποστρέψαντα. Tornikes, Georgios 204.1-219.5
He wrote to
Georgios 20103
after a gap of some time, having found no letter-carrier; the new patriarch
Konstantinos 25004
was opposed to the Bourtzes family, and Tornikes might be included in the hostility by association - important during episcopal elections
Τῷ ἱερωτάτῳ μητροπολίτῃ Ἀθηνῶν. Tornikes, Georgios 121.1-122.24
He wrote to
Anonymus 25071
to open a conversation, and to lament that persons in the capital were trying to draw two allies of the protos from him,
Paulos 25001
and
Anonymus 25072
[unless these are one and the same person]
Πρὸς τὸν πρῶτον τοῦ Γάνου. Tornikes, Georgios 135.1-136.18
He wrote to
Georgios 20103
that he had been second on the list to become metropolitan of Corinth, but that all candidates turned the see down; his own rejection was on the advice of
Theodoros 25002
, despite the proximity of
Anonyma 25015
Τῷ ἱερωτάτῳ μητροπολίτῃ Ἀθηνῶν. Tornikes, Georgios 123.1-126.18
He wrote to
Andronikos 112
, announcing his election as metropolitan of Ephesos, in succession to
Anonymus 25073
, Andronikos' man; he needed to be as much Andronikos' man as his predecessor, if he was to succeed
Τῷ σεβαστῷ τῷ ἐπὶ τῶν δεήσεων κυρῷ Ἀνδρονίκῳ τῷ Καματηρῷ. Tornikes, Georgios 140.1-141.12
He wrote to
Theodoros 186
, calling him the sole refuge of the church, speaking of the terrible state of the church of Ephesos and enlisting himself and Ephesos under his protection
Τῷ ἐπὶ τοῦ κανικλείου κυρῷ Θεοδώρῳ τῷ Στυπειώτῃ. Tornikes, Georgios 142.1-144.4
He wrote to
Anonymus 25075
, praising him for his similarity to his excellent master (
Alexios 17006
), asking for co-operation with
Euthymios 25001
and looking forward to a meeting
Πρὸς τὸν ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἄνθρωον ἐνεργοῦντα τὰ τοῦ μεγαλεπιφανεστάτου Γιφάρδου. Tornikes, Georgios 148.1-149.14
He wrote to
Alexios 17006
announcing that (unlike others) he accepted election as metropolitan of Ephesos, partly because Alexios was its doux; being not yet consecrated, he sent
Euthymios 25001
with the patriarchal letter to prepare the see
Τῷ Γιφάρδῳ κυρῷ Ἀλεξίῳ τῷ δουκὶ τοῦ Θρακησίου. Tornikes, Georgios 150.1-151.27
He wrote to
Georgios 20103
from Ephesos, desperate at being for ever an Asiatic, dismayed by the place, the people and St Ioannes' ruinous basilica, consoled only by his non-tomb, repenting he had accepted the see; he had no news of Athens
Τῷ μητροπλίτῃ Ἀθηνῶν. Tornikes, Georgios 152.1-155.8
He wrote to
Eirene 25003
, hesitant to add to her troubles, with a word for
Alexios 25011
; he was shocked by human wickedness and the state of Hagios Ioannes' basilica, good only for birds and animals; he would return to her (and
Manuel 1
) in the capital
Τῇ θυγατρὶ τῆς πορφυρογεννήτου καὶ καισαρίσσης κυρᾶς Ἄννης κυρᾷ Εἰρήνῃ. Tornikes, Georgios 156.1-158.26
He wrote to
Theodoros 25002
, complaining of falling masonry in Hagios Ioannes' basilica;
Alexios 17006
was positive, but all else was not, especially the tax regime, so the church was dying; he must return to the capital to see the newly returned
Manuel 1
Τῷ ἐπὶ τῶν οἰκειακῶν καὶ νομοφύλακι κυρῷ Θεοδώρῳ τῷ Παντεχνῇ. Tornikes, Georgios 159.1-161.8
He wrote to
Alexios 25011
, congratulating him on his government of Ohrid and now Dyrrachion too, and of giving protection from tax-collectors, all the fruit of his upbringing by
Eirene 25003
; he recommended
Demetrios 152
, the letter-carrier
Πρὸς τὸν σεβαστὸν κῦρ Ἀλέξιον, τὸν ἔγγονον τοῦ καίσαρος τοῦ Βρυεννίου. ὄντα δούκα τοῦ Δυρραχίου καὶ τῆς Ἀχρίδος. Tornikes, Georgios 163.1-166.15
He wrote to
Ioannes 451
, hinting at doctrinal problems, advising him to stay in Constantinople, whatever position was offered; he had given Ioannes' letter to the doux after Easter (probably
Alexios 25004
rather than
Alexios 17006
), who promised to carry it out; he would remind him if he did not
Tornikes, Georgios 169.1-171.5
He wrote to
Alexios 25004
, lamenting that mountains made the journey to Philadelpheia so difficult; but he must meet Alexios to stop him allowing events dishonouring him and his family, like that involving
Anonymus 726
; he was responsible for what he could stop
Tornikes, Georgios 172.1-174.9
He wrote to
Alexios 20110
about the ruin of his church and diocese, which depended on
Manuel 1
(via Alexios); but he was more worried by
Soterichos 17001
and
Nikephoros 17003
, whose impiety Alexios must combat with all his strength
Τῷ μεγάλῳ οἰκονόμῳ καὶ δικαιοδότῃ τῷ Ἀριστηνῷ. Tornikes, Georgios 175.1-176.16
His logos for
Anna 62
was not written to grieve or console; especially as some time had passed, he would not call it an encomium or hymn or acclamation (all necessarily involving amplification); it was a simple sketch of the riches of Anna's soul
Ἐγκώμιον μὲν τοῦτον οὐκ ἂν καλέσαιμι οὐδ᾽ ὑμνητήριον ἢ εὐφημητήριον ... κατὰ ψιλὴν σκιαγραφίαν. Tornikes, Georgios 225.29-227.4
In connection with the synod of January 26, 1156, in which he played a major part, he issued a text of advice, in the form of a declaration of faith: it supports the conventional view that Christ both offered and received the sacrifice of the Cross
Γνώμη ἐπὶ τῷ κινηθέντι δόγματι· εἰ ὁ Υἱὸς τῷ Πατρὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ θυσίαν ὡς ἄνθρωπος προσάγων καὶ αὐτὸς αὐτὴν ὡς θεὸς προσεδέχετο μετὰ τοῦ Πατρός. Tornikes, Georgios 180.1-185.25
Death
(null)
Description
(null)
Dignity/Office
(6)
Deacon
διακόνου. Tornikes, Georgios 113, tit
Didaskalos of the Gospels
διδασκαλίας ... εἰς τὸ Εὐαγγέλιον. Tornikes, Georgios 88, tit
Didaskalos of the Psalter
διδάσκαλος τοῦ ψαλτῆρος. Tornikes, Georgios 74, tit
Hypomnematographos
ὑπομνηματογράφου. Tornikes, Georgios 113, tit
Metropolitan (archbishop) of Ephesos
μητροπολίτου Ἐφέσου. Tornikes, Georgios 152, tit
Metropolitan-elect of Ephesos
ὑποψήφιος Ἐφέσου. Tornikes, Georgios 137, tit
Education
(1)
He pictured himself as a simple scholar bending over his books, quite unfit to meet the practical challenges of the see of Ephesos
ὁ τῷ σκιμποδίῳ προσπεπατταλευμένος .... Tornikes, Georgios 138.4-5
Ethnic label
(null)
Second Name
(1)
Tornikes
Τορνίκη. Tornikes, Georgios
Kinship
(6)
brother of
Anonymus 25070
ἀδελφός. Tornikes, Georgios 134.18
brother of
Demetrios 152
ἀδελφοῦ. Tornikes, Georgios 108, tit
brother of
Leon 25002
άδελφοῦ. Tornikes, Georgios 108, tit
cousin of
Euthymios 25001
ἐξαδέλφου. Tornikes, Georgios 115.13
nephew of
Anonymus 265
(πρὸς μητρὸς θεῖος). Tornikes, Georgios 128.9
son of
Anonyma 25015
(μητρός). Tornikes, Georgios 125.2
Language Skill
(null)
Location
(7)
Corinth
like all other candidates, turned down the see of Corinth Κορίνθου. Tornikes, Georgios 124.17
Ephesos
was metropolitan-elect of Ephesos Ἐφέσου. Tornikes, Georgios 137, tit
Ephesos: basilica of Hagios Ioannes
complained of falling masonry in the basilica of Hagios Ioannes τὸν θεῖον ναόν. Tornikes, Georgios 160.5-10
lamented the ruinous state of the basilica of Hagios Ioannes τοῦ περιπύστου ναοῦ. Tornikes, Georgios 153.15-154.10
lamented the state of the basilica of Hagios Ioannes τῆς καθ᾽ ἡμᾶς ἐκκλησίας. Tornikes, Georgios 158.2-11
Ephesos: tomb of Hagios Ioannes
was partially consoled by the (non-existence of the) tomb of Hagios Ioannes ὁ τοῦ ζῶντος τάφος. Tornikes, Georgios 154.18-20
Philadelphia (Lydia)
complained that mountains made it hard for him to travel from Ephesos to Philadelphia Φιλαδελφείας. Tornikes, Georgios 173.2
Occupation/Vocation
(1)
Possession
(null)
Religion
(null)
Eunuchs
(null)
Alternative Name
(null)