Patriarch Nicholas I served as Greek Patriarch of Alexandria between 1210 and 1243.
Relations with the Church of Rome
Like his predecessor, Nicholas I maintained communion with the See of Rome. He ordained a Latin rite priest and at the invitation of Innocent III of Rome, sent representatives to participate in the Fourth Lateran Council (1215).
In 1218–1219, Crusaders captured Damietta as a base to invade and ravage Egypt from the Ayyubid Muslims. After a crushing defeat in 1221, Crusaders surrendered Damietta and signed an 8-year truce. Native Egyptian Christians underwent renewed persecution by the Muslims in retaliation. Patriarch Nicholas died in deep poverty, 6 years before Crusaders returned to briefly capture Damietta before being liberated by the Muslims.
References
- "Nicholas I (1210–1243)". Official web site of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. Retrieved 2011-02-07.
