Michael II of Constantinople | |
|---|---|
| Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople | |
| Church | Church of Constantinople |
| In office | July 1143 – March 1146 |
| Predecessor | Leo of Constantinople |
| Successor | Cosmas II of Constantinople |
| Personal details | |
| Born | ? |
| Died | after 1146 |
Michael II Kourkouas (Oxeites) (Greek: Μιχαὴλ Κουρκούας (Ὀξείτης); died after 1146) was an Eastern Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople (July 1143 – March 1146).
In early 1143, Patriarch Leo and Emperor John II Komnenos died within a few months of each other, bringing a period of turbulence to the Byzantine Church.[1] John's appointed successor, his son Manuel I Komnenos arrived in Constantinople on 27 June 1143, from Cilicia where his father had died.[2] In order to fully assure his position as emperor, Manuel needed to arrange his coronation. However, to do this he first needed to appoint a patriarch. His choice fell on the abbot of the monastery of Oxeia, Michael Kourkouas.[2] The coronation did not take place until 28 November 1143, because Michael threatened to resign for unknown reasons.[2]
During his reign, Michael had to deal with the highly political trial of a monk called Niphon.[2] On 22 February 1144, Michael condemned Niphon for supporting two Cappadocian bishops who were accused of heresy and later found guilty of Bogomil practices.[1][2] This forbade orthodox believers from associating with him.[1] Michael II resigned in March 1146 to return to the monastery of Oxeia,[2] most likely because of disillusion with the emperor.[1]