Ancora su Niceta Myrsiniotes (Nilo II di Rodi) : prima parte : una lettera inedita al patriarca Matteo I (1397-1410)

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 Finally, an appendix will complete the study, listing the published and unpublished works of Nicetas/Nilus II. [Publisher's text]