Artomachy

Artomachy (q. d. ἀρτομαχία, dispute respecting bread, from ἄρτος and μάχη), a controversy respecting the bread of the Eucharist, originated in 1053 by Michael Cerularius. This dispute existed between the Greek and Latin churches; the former contending that the bread used should be leavened, the latter urging the necessity of being unleavened bread. Protestant writers have taken part with the Greek Church in this controversy. Early Christian writers make no mention of the use of unleavened bread; the fame kind of bread was eaten in the agapa that was consecrated for the Eucharist, viz., common bread. Leavened bread appears to have been in use when Epiphanius and Ambrose wrote. Unleavened bread was generally discontinued at the Reformation; but the Lutherans retain it; SEE AZYMITES.