eugyppius

Now the emperors try to solve the MQ (Monophysite Question) in 2 ways: 1) By persecuting the Monophysites and installing 'orthodox' Chalcedonian bishops at key sees; and 2) by trying to develop compromise doctrines that will please both sides.

Heraclius, with help from Patriarch Sergius I of Constantinople, comes up with Monoenergism, as a thing that is supposed to unite everyone.

Monoenergism holds that, yes the Word has two natures – but don't worry, Monophysites! He also as *one energy*. The idea, I gues, is that if Christ can still have one of something, the Monophysites might be satisfied.

As soon as Heraclius wins the war with Persia, he begins promoting Monoenergism officially. The problem is that a gaggle of important people, including the Patriarch of Jerusalem, don't like it.

The problem with compromise doctrines, is they don't have any adherents out there in the wild. What's worse, the reception isn't just lukewarm. It provokes a huge new destructive debate over Christ's energies and their precise number.

By AD 638, Heraclius abandons monoenergism. He issues the Ecthesis, a hilarious statement that tells everyone to shut up and never discuss Christ's energies ever again.

Instead, the Ecthesis declares, everyone is now to believe that Christ has two natures (Chalcedon position) but – wait for it – *one will*.

This is monotheletism. Surprisingly, it satisfies the eastern patriarchs, including the Patriarch of Jerusalem, but it finds a new opponent in the Bishop of Rome. Now Eastern & Western churches are fighting and Heraclius dies full of regret about the mess he started.