Eudes de Sully


Odo of Sully, was Bishop of Paris, from 1197 to 1208. He is considered to be the first to have put emphasis on the Elevation liturgy during the Catholic Mass. He worked to address many social matters including regulating celebrations in his cathedral. He also tried to ban chess. He founded the abbey that became Port-Royal.

Life

On the political stage, he came into conflict with French king, Philip Augustus, over Philip's intended repudiation of his wife.
As a churchman, he continued the building work on Notre Dame de Paris. He is considered the first to have emphasized the elevation of the host during the Catholic Mass. In 1175, he forbade communion for children. Odo's decree on custody of reserved hosts, requiring a "clean pyx", was influential in England.
In surviving decrees, he, as bishop, is seen addressing a number of social matters. He attempted to regulate celebrations in his cathedral, Christmas and the Feast of Fools. He also tried to ban chess.
He is also known for his promotion of polyphony in church, and the music of Pérotin.
He was a founder of the abbey that became Port-Royal.

Family

Eudes de Sully and his brother, Henry, archbishop of Bourges, were sons of Eudes of Sully. The elder Eudes was in turn son of William of Blois, lord of Sully, the elder brother of Theobald II, Count of Champagne, Stephen of England and Henry of Blois, bishop of Winchester and grandson of William the Conqueror.
His predecessor, Maurice de Sully, was not a close family connection.