Byzantský postoj k „azyma“ v době vypuknutí východního schizmatu

The aim of this case study is to verify the arguments that were applied by Greek theologians against the practice of using unfermented bread for Eucharist celebrations in the West at the beginning of the schism. The research has shown that each argument is to be considered in the context of integrating trends in the 11th century. Therefore, they were not solely directed against the representatives of the Western part of the Church, but also against the Armenians. Among the critics the archbishop Leon from Ohrid, the monk Niketas Stethatos, but also the patriarch Michael Kerullarios from Constantinople and Peter III from Antiochia were the most prominent ones. The most cogent argument against the usage of unfermented bread was the accusation of Judaism and the allegation that unfermented bread is not the real bread and cannot be thus used as a consecrating substance. Nevertheless, on the Byzantine side there were also moderate theologians who acknowledged equality of both manners.