Leo’s initial move against the cult of…

Leo’s initial move against the cult of images has been followed by other measures instituted over the past four years to suppress the veneration of images.

In reaction to the new policy, many theologians of the Eastern Roman Empire, including John Damascene, have developed an elaborate theory and defense of holy images and their place in worship.

John, basing his argument on the doctrine of the incarnation of Christ and on Neoplatonic philosophical ideas, maintains that the holy icon through divine grace partakes of the spiritual essence of the figure it portrays, and, as the product of the emanation of its holiness, embodies the essential point of direct contact between the human and divine realms.

Proclaiming Iconoclasm the official policy of the empire in 730, Leo orders the removal and destruction of sacred pictures in churches.

When Patriarch Germanus of Constantinople refuses his demand for approval of these policies, Leo removes him and appoints a patriarch of his own choice, Anastasius, who willingly sides with the Emperor on the question of icons.

Where necessary, Leo employs harsh penalties, such as beatings and imprisonment, against recalcitrant ecclesiastics.

His policies meet particularly strong opposition from monastic circles.

Pope Gregory II also strongly rejects his efforts to impose Iconoclasm upon areas of Italy under imperial control.