Question

Describe the relationship between religion and government in the Byzantine Empire.

Answer 1

The government of the Byzantine Empire was held by the emperor. He ( and sometimes "She") was the absolute monarch, commander in chief of the army and also head of the Church.

As head of the Church, the emperor could appoint or dismiss the most important ecclesiastical role in the empire, the Patriarch or bishop of Constantinople. Plus, the emperor was regarded as having been chosen by God to rule for the good of the people.