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The fifteenth centenary of the Council of Chalcedon was marked by the release of a series of five stamps. The issue was first placed on sale at the Vatican postoffice on October 31, 1951. The Council of Chalcedon first was called to session by Pope Leo the Great, in the year 451, under the auspices of the reigning emperor, Marcian. The main purpose of the Council was to destroy the influence of Dioscurus and the Monophysites, and condemn the teachings of Eutyches, that decreed there was only one nature in Christ. After condemning this untruthful belief, the general council formulated the belief of two natures in Christ, that of God and man. The first design of the series (5, 35, 100 lire) shows a view of the General Council, in session. The Council was attended by 130 bishops though some reports place the number at 300. While the Council was in session in this Greek City, Attila and his hordes of Huns swept into Northern Italy, murdering, pillaging, and burning as they went. The emperor was unable to stop them so he appealed to Pope Leo. Leo went to see Attila and obtained from him the promise that he would leave Italy and make peace with the emperor. The meeting of Pope Leo the Great and Attila is depicted on the 25 and 60 lire stamps. |
| (National Philatelic Museum, Volume VII, Number 1, 1954, pages 61-107) We are greatful to the Cardinal Spellman Philatelic Museum for allowing the Vatican Philatelic Society to use the copyrighted text on our website. |
