The Synod of 754 was convened by Constantine V to refute the Iconophiles and end the practice of the veneration of icons. The Synod lays the argument out clearly: being a physical thing, an icon can only show the physical nature of Christ and can never show his divine nature. This, argues the Synod, puts the creators and venerators of icons in the came league as the Arians, who did not recognize the fully dual nature of Christ. The Synod makes a great effort to connect itself with the other great gatherings of church leaders. Much mention is made of the other "six holy Ecumenical Synods", including the Council of Nicea where the Arian heresy was officially removed from the church. This is in spite of (or perhaps because of) the fact that although the Synod of 754 featured a great many bishops, no papal representative was present at the Synod of 754. As The Chronicle of Theophanes Confessor asserts, "..none of the universal sees was represented".
In light of the absence of any of the highest leaders of the church, the Synod of 754 can be seen as an attempt by the political leader of the time (Constantine V) to assert a measure of control over the church by convening the Synod. The Chronicle of Theophanes Confessor records Constantine as saying "Long live Constantine, the ecumenical patriarch!" Clearly, Constantine wanted something to do with the operation of the church, and the conversation between the Synod of 754 and The Chronicle of Theophanes Confessor shows the constant struggle for power between the political and religious authorities of the day.
-Tim O'Donnell
In light of the absence of any of the highest leaders of the church, the Synod of 754 can be seen as an attempt by the political leader of the time (Constantine V) to assert a measure of control over the church by convening the Synod. The Chronicle of Theophanes Confessor records Constantine as saying "Long live Constantine, the ecumenical patriarch!" Clearly, Constantine wanted something to do with the operation of the church, and the conversation between the Synod of 754 and The Chronicle of Theophanes Confessor shows the constant struggle for power between the political and religious authorities of the day.
-Tim O'Donnell