His power derived as much from his authority over the innumerable monks as from his influence on the laity. The patriarch was often in a position to defy the emperor.
स्थानीय बिशपांच्या खालचे पाळक आणि मठवासी यांची हजारोंमध्ये असलेली संख्या याला कारणीभूत होती.