In early 1143, Patriarch Leo of Constantinople and Emperor John II Komnenos died within a few months of each other, bringing a period of turbulence to the Byzantine Church.
[1] John's appointed successor, his son Emperor Manuel I Komnenos arrived in Constantinople on 27 June 1143, from Cilicia where his father had died.
[2] In order to fully assure his position as emperor, Manuel I needed to arrange his coronation.
[2] During his reign, Michael II had to deal with the highly political trial of a monk called Niphon.
[2] On 22 February 1144, Michael II condemned Niphon for supporting two Cappadocian bishops who were accused of heresy and later found guilty of Bogomil practices.