Irene

(fl. 3rd century) ministered to St. Sebastian, who was wounded by arrows. [Christian Hagiog.: Hall, 162]

Irene

goddess of peace and conciliation. [Gk. Myth.: Espy, 21]

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Irene

Born circa 752, in Athens; died Aug. 9, 803, on the island of Lesbos. Byzantine empress from 797 to 802. Wife of Emperor Leo IV (ruled 775–780).

After the death of Leo, Irene became regent for her son, Constantine VI, and later ruled with him. A supporter of the icon worshippers, Irene convened an ecumenical council in Nicaea in 787, which temporarily restored icon veneration. In the struggle for power, she blinded her son (797) and succeeded in being proclaimed sole ruler.

In 802, Charlemagne sent an embassy to Byzantium with a marriage proposal for Irene in order to unite both empires; the Byzantine nobles, however, prevented that course of action. Irene was deposed by a court revolt.

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References in periodicals archive

| Nesting herring gulls have caused chaos for pensioner Irene

Gulls trap woman in house

Irene said that during the summer "we would pick up apples and pears off the ground." Some farmers would allow us to take several.

Memories of war years still vivid for native Lithuanian

"All the men had gone off to work in the war and so the women took up the jobs here that they left behind," Irene said.

I live for my family says Irene as she turns 105

According to him, Port Irene is underutilized because its pier is only about 180 meters in size.

Ceza: P5 billion required for Port Irene development

In that time Irene read many books and researched all ways in which she could improve her life by mind-set.

Tarporley woman who transformed her life wants to help others chase their dreams; A dreadful accident proved to be a wake-up call for Irene Remelie

When confronted by Irene, I have no doubt he was golden.

I still get star-struck with the big-hitters

After splitting, George and Irene, both now aged 89, went on to marry and have families, but ended up widowed.

George dumped me 72 years ago he has a lot of making up to do; Reunited childhood sweethearts wed

Tragedy first struck Irene's family in 2005 when her youngest son, Daniel McCarthy, died in a car crash at the age of 25.

Award for selfless gran who overcame tragedy

Irene had been living in Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, with her husband of almost 30 years, John.

Wait goes on for deported wife; woman was sent 'home' after 27 years of marriage

In this scenario, Irene would inherit Georges $7 million estate.

Portability in estate planning