The Latin doctrine differed from the Orthodox in regard to papal supremacy, the filioque clause, and unleavened bread. With these tensions unresolved between the churches, the Ottomans may have been seen as a means to avoid a forced compromise which Latin rule might bring about. The Ottomans on the other hand would only impose a tax upon the Christian population. This financial subservience was the only toll they had to pay to the Ottomans, and perhaps this option was more economical than changing their creed under a Latin reign.

Evidence

While the Orthodox clergy preferred the rule of the Sultan to that of the Pope, some of the laity under the fear of threat uttered, “Would that the City were delivered into the hands of the Latins who call upon Christ and the Theotokos, and not thrown into the clutches of the infidel.” 12 This attitude shows the Orthodox reception to the Ottomans was not universally well received. Some still preferred the rulership of another Christian even if it meant slightly changing their doctrine of belief. Perhaps to laity who did not devote their lives to studying and defending the orthodox creed, a small change of words in one’s doctrine was seen as insignificant The Ottomans were therefore not universally seen as a positive change, rather they might be a worse consequence for some Christians. — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 33 (#contradicts, via linked claim)

By presenting their views, I hope to show the Ottomans were perceived as a fatal end, but not the worst outcome possible. Orthodox authorities perceived an invasion by the Latins as worse, for they would not afford them autonomy which might be hoped under Muslims. The land might remain under Christian rule, but the Orthodox churches would have to yield to papal supremacy. While the Muslim conquest might lead to a change of the head of state, the churches would not be forced to make any doctrinal changes or alter their church hierarchy. — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 26 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

  • XREF: connects to: The schism within Christianity was perceived as a greater threat than that of a foreign invasion; the Orthodox were relatively receptive towards having the Ottomans as material rulers in contrast to the Latins.; Orthodox authorities perceived an invasion by the Latins as worse, for they would not afford them autonomy which might be hoped under Muslims. The land might remain under Christian rule, but the Orthodox churches would have to yield to papal supremacy. While the Muslim conquest might lead to a change of the head of state, the churches would not be forced to make any doctrinal changes or alter their church hierarchy.; In an effort to oppose the Ottomans, Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini (the future Pope Pius II) tried to exhort all Christians to mount an offensive against the Ottomans. Like the crusades, some hoped Christian polities would look past their differences and come to the aid of the Orthodox Byzantine Christians in this dire hour. Another figure was King George of Kunštát and PodÄ›brady of Bohemia who—seeing the Ottomans surround Constantinople—also tried to promote the idea of a Pan-Christian resistance to the onslaught of the Muslim forces. (+18 more)

Broader Connections