FELIX III. (or II.) was descended from one of the most influential families of Rome, and succeeded Simplicius irr the papal chair 2d March 483. His first act was to repudiate the Henoticou, a deed of union, originating, it is supposed, with Acacius, patriarch of Constantinople, and published by the emperor Zeno with the view of allaying the strife between the Monophysites and their opponents in the Eastern church. He also addressed a letter of remonstrance to Acacius ; but the latter proved refractory, and sentence of deposition was passed against him. As Acacius, however, had the support of the emperor, a schism (the first on record) arose between the Eastern and Western churches, which lasted for 34. years. Felix died in 492.