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In the midst of the controversies between the emperor and patriarchs of Constantinople, Nicholas placed himself as the divinely appointed ruler of the Church when, in 857, Photius was enthroned after Patriarch Ignatius was allegedly deposed. Calling the action illegal, he called upon the eastern patriarchs and all their bishops to refuse recognition to Photius. Then, in April, 863, he called a Roman [[synod]] that excommunicated Patr. Photius. According to [[Francis Dvornik|Dvornik]], Patr. Ignatius had actually resigned, making Patr. Photius a legitimate patriarch.
Nicholas encouraged the [[missionary]] activity of the Roman Church. In the Balkans in 863, he encouraged Prince Boris of Bulgaria, who had been converted with his people to Christianity by Greek [[missionaries]], to come under the Roman see. But, in the end Boris joined the Eastern Church.
In his own personal life, Nicholas was guided by a spirit of earnest Christian [[asceticism]] and piety. He rebuilt and endowed several [[church]]es and was esteemed by the Roman citizens.