By studying the theological dynamics of Christianity at the time of the fall of Constantinople, we see that the schism within the religion was perceived as a greater threat than that of a foreign invasion. As long as the Muslim foreign invader would grant them protection to practice their religion, as seen under the millet system, the Orthodox were relatively receptive towards having the Ottomans as material rulers in contrast to the Latins.

XREF: Connects to broader themes of religious identity trumping political/national allegiance — echoes the idea that theological divisions can outweigh even existential military threats, similar to Reformation-era dynamics. Pays off: "Orthodox Christians feared Latin conquest more than Ottoman rule."

Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, loc. 61