After the reign of Basil II (976 (985)-1025) when the church of Constantinople was in many ways subjected to the emperor's will, the patriarchate of Alexios Stoudites (1025-1043) marked the beginning of a new period. As his influence strengthened inside the church, Alexios was able to resist many challenges from secular power. His long patriarchate made the patriarch an important and influential factor in Constantinople, which would become evident at the time of his successor.
