Editing Gennadius Scholarius (section)

=== Council of Florence ===
Gennadius became historically important when, as judge in the civil courts under John VIII Palaiologos (1425–1448), he accompanied his emperor to the Council of Florence, held in 1438–1439 in [[Ferrara]] and [[Florence]]. The object of this endeavor was bringing a union between the [[Greek Orthodox Church|Greek]] and [[Latin Church]]es, which he supported at that time.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=596}} He made four speeches at the council – all exceedingly conciliatory.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}}

At the same council appeared the celebrated Platonist, Gemistos Plethon, the most powerful opponent of the then dominant [[Aristotelianism]], and consequently an antagonist of Gennadius. In church matters, as in philosophy, the two were opposed – Plethon advocated a partial return to Greek [[paganism]] in the form of a [[syncretic]] union between [[Christianity]] and [[Zoroastrianism]];{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} while Gennadius, more cautious, pressed the necessity for ecclesiastical union with Rome on doctrinal grounds, and was instrumental in drawing up a form which from its vagueness and ambiguity might be accepted by both parties. Gennadius was at a serious disadvantage because, being a layman, he could not directly take part in the discussions of the council.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|pp=596–597}}