In 1785, during the third year of his reign, Western Roman Emperor Vytenis IV, who was then 51 years old, renounced his Christian faith, declaring himself an atheist who believed the universe could be explained solely through the natural sciences. By unanimous historical consensus, this decision is regarded as completely bone-headed. As an intellectual era, the emperor's support for atheism did lead to accomplishments in rationalism and liberal philosophy. the strength of certain cultural artifacts created during this period has lead to some contemporary romanticism of the crisis. Normally however the historical appraisal focuses the 15 years of sporadic rebellion and civil war provoked by the emperor's decision, specifically the destruction in southern Gaul.

Vytenis' apostasy posed a particular difficulty for the Church, who recognized the emperor as the divinely anointed ruler, and was deeply entangled with the state. Although Vytenis initially toyed with the idea of entirely separating christianity from the secular state, he was eventually persuaded to retain the Church. the Church, in return, reaffirmed the absolute authority of the emperor, that he need not himself be a Christian to rule justly in a Christian manner and perform his duty to bravely defend the Christian faith. A line of argument posed that in the past, Christian kings had righteously ruled their non-christian subjects. Likewise had Saracen kings righteously defended their Christian subjects. In addition the Emperor's atheism served as a reminder man was not above sin, and, being that he might yet be redeemed by conversion, challenged Christians to act as role models, so that through compassion and pious example, the emperor may be moved once again to embrace God's infinite mercy.

The everyday life in the empire remained deeply religious. Following the 2nd Pacification of Gaul in 1792, The 1st Legion reaffirmed their devotion to Christ with a parade of icons through the streets of Marseilles and the reconsecration of the rebel Cathedral.

in 1800, the Emperor died from Apoplexy. according to his wishes, he was buried in public cemetery following a secular ceremony, rather Aachen Cathedral with the rest of his crowned Dynasty. His remains lie in a modest, neoclassical style tomb built for a cost 6,000 Scudi. His eldest son, Jogalia II, was quick to reassure the clergy he did not share his father's disbelief. He elevated the church in public life. Those public atheists who achieved renown in Vytenis' court were not directly punished, but saw their prominence greatly suppressed by anti-blasphemy laws far more strict than those preceding the late emperor. 18 years later, Vytenis' shadow Auksė would pass away, and would be interred with him. Following their death, the by then largely defunct Academy of Reason was officially closed by the emperor in 1818. Despite the efforts of Jogalia to restore the faith's trust, it was none-the-less these events which laid the groundwork for The Partriach of Cologne, Daniel I, in 1848 to propose reforms which would see various offices and functions disentangled from the state.