Dositheus II of Jerusalem
He fiercely defended Orthodox doctrine in the 17th century, convening a pivotal council to reject Western theological influence.
1641–1707 (age 66)·Greek Orthodox theologian·Birthday: May 31
Biography
Dositheus II of Jerusalem was a patriarch who wielded his pen and his authority as weapons in a battle for the soul of Eastern Christianity. Ascending to the Patriarchal throne in 1669, he ruled for nearly four decades during a time of intense pressure from both Catholic missionaries and Protestant ideas filtering into the Ottoman-ruled Greek world. His predecessor, Cyril Lucaris, had allegedly expressed Calvinist sympathies, creating a crisis. Dositheus responded decisively by convening the Synod of Jerusalem in 1672. This council produced a forceful confession of faith that systematically rejected predestination and affirmed traditional Orthodox teachings on scripture, sacraments, and the veneration of saints. Beyond theology, Dositheus was a tireless administrator and builder, restoring churches and supporting Orthodox communities under difficult political circumstances. His lengthy reign solidified a conservative, anti-Western trajectory for the Jerusalem Patriarchate, defining its identity for generations.
#1 When Dositheus Was Born
The biggest hits of 1641
Dositheus's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1641Born
1646Started school
1654Became a teenager
1657Could drive
1659Could vote
1662Turned 21
1671Turned 30
1681Turned 40
1691Turned 50
1701Turned 60
1707Died at 66
Key Achievements
- He convened and presided over the Synod of Jerusalem in 1672, a major council for Orthodox doctrine.
- He authored the definitive Orthodox refutation of Calvinism in the 'Confession of Dositheus'.
- He wrote a multi-volume history of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, a key source for the period.
- He successfully maintained the autonomy and rights of the Orthodox Church in the Holy Land under Ottoman rule.
Did You Know?
His full name was Dositheus II Notaras, indicating his connection to the influential Notaras family.
He served as Patriarch of Jerusalem for 38 years, one of the longest tenures in its history.
He was a prolific writer, producing theological works, historical chronicles, and numerous letters.
“The Latins are innovators, and for this reason they have fallen away from the truth.”
