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===Iconoclasm===
Leo IV, though an [[Byzantine Iconoclasm|iconoclast]] like his father, initially pursued a policy of moderation towards iconophiles.{{sfn|Garland|1999|page=74}} He removed Constantine V's penalties on monasteries and began appointing monks as bishops.{{sfn|Garland|1999|page=74}} When Patriarch [[Nicetas I of Constantinople]] died in 780, Leo IV appointed [[Paul IV of Constantinople|Paul of Cyprus]], who had iconophile sympathies, as his successor, although he did force him to swear oaths that he would uphold the official iconoclasm.{{sfn|Garland|1999|page=74}} During Lent of 780, however, Leo IV's policies on iconophiles became much harsher.{{sfn|Garland|1999|page=74}} He ordered for a number of prominent courtiers to be arrested, scourged, [[tonsure]]d, and tortured after they were caught venerating icons.{{sfn|Garland|1999|page=74}}

Prior to the death of her husband, Irene appears to have accepted the prevailing iconoclasm, regardless of her private beliefs. During this period, her activities are unknown, recorded only in later obscure accounts.{{Sfn|Turner|2021|p=823}} According to the 11th-century historian [[George Kedrenos]], who wrote many centuries after Irene's death, this crackdown on iconophiles began after Leo IV discovered two icons hidden underneath Irene's pillow.{{sfn|Garland|1999|pages=74–75}} Leo IV launched an investigation and discovered the courtiers who had brought the icons. He had them tortured and scolded Irene for violating the law and breaking with her faith. Irene insisted that she had not known the icons were there. After the incident, Leo refused to have marital relations with Irene ever again. [[Lynda Garland]], a historian of the Byzantine Empire, states that this story too closely resembles a different story told about the later empress [[Theodora (wife of Theophilos)|Theodora, wife of Theophilos]], to be historically true. Nonetheless, she maintains that it is possible that Irene may have been trying to fill the palace with supporters of iconophilism, which may have triggered Leo IV's crackdown.{{sfn|Garland|1999|page=75}}