Byzantine ecclesiastical archives

Byzantine ecclesiastical archives refer to historical records maintained by the Christian church in the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 4th to the 15th centuries. These archives documented various aspects of church life, including liturgical practices, ecclesiastical decisions, legal matters, and the lives of saints. They served not only for administrative purposes but also for the preservation of theological and cultural heritage. This extensive collection of documents provides valuable insight into the governance, society, and religious beliefs of Byzantine civilization, reflecting its influence on the Orthodox Church and European history.