Roman emperors have endeavored to preserve uniform theological belief since their adoption of Christianity in the fourth century, and have persecuted those with differing Christological views, notably in Egypt, Syria, and Armenia.

Religious controversy has weakened the loyalties that Syrians and Egyptians render to Constantinople, and Heraclius seeks in 638 to placate Monophysite sentiment in these two provinces by promulgating the doctrine of Monothelitism, holding that Christ, although of two natures, had but one will, setting it forth as the official doctrine of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Heraclius’ Ekthesis is vigorously opposed, notably by Maximus the Confessor, an influential unofficial political advisor and spiritual head in North Africa.

Neither in the East nor in the West will this compromise prove successful.

Heraclius’s son Heraklonas was probably born at Lazica while his father was on campaign against Khosrau II of the Sassanid Empire.

He was probably the fourth son of Martina and Heraclius, but the first one born free of physical deformity and eligible for the throne.

Heraklonas obtains through his mother’s influence the title of Augustus on July 4, 638.

Pyrrhus I becomes patriarch of Constantinople after the death of Sergius I.

He has been an advocate of Monothelitism and a close friend of Heraclius.