Résumé :
Due to editorial reasons, this study of the history of the
metropolitan see of Rhodes in the Palaiologan era has been split into two
parts. The study is composed of two sections that address two interrelated
topics. First, this issue presents the critical edition of a letter sent by the clergy
of Rhodes to Patriarch Matthew I (1397-1410) requesting the assignment
of a new metropolitan. The letter is particularly interesting because it was
written by Nicetas Myrsiniotes, who would soon become the metropolitan
of the island under the name of Nilus II. This first part of the study addresses
all the questions related to the text of the letter, including its recipient, date,
and circumstances of its drafting.
The next issue will focus on the list of metropolitans of Rhodes during
the Palaiologan period (late 13th-mid-15th century). This is essential
to understand the underlying reasons for the request made in the letter. In
order to define the list, starting from the local versions of the Synodikon of
the Orthodoxy, we reconsider all the witnesses available. We provide for all
of the metropolitans a brand-new proposographical form. Quite relevant is
the section dedicated to Nilus Diasorenus, who is considered nowadays the
most known figure in the rhodian 14th century. Here, we demonstrate that
he never existed, and his identity derives from a misunderstanding on the
attribution of some works, really belonging to Nicetas Myrsiniotes, named
Nilus II after his consecration.
Finally, an appendix will complete the study, listing the published and
unpublished works of Nicetas/Nilus II.
