St. Cyril of Alexandria

Biography

Cyril became Patriarch of Alexandria in 412 and rose to prominence as the chief defender of the unity of Christ's person against Nestorius, who denied Mary the title Theotokos. He presided at the Council of Ephesus in 431, which condemned Nestorianism and vindicated Mary as truly the Mother of God, since she bore the one divine Person of the Word made flesh. His theology of the hypostatic union became foundational for later Christological definitions.

Historical background

At the Council of Ephesus in AD 431, called to settle the Nestorian controversy, Cyril's teaching triumphed and Mary's title Theotokos ('God-bearer') was solemnly confirmed, provoking spontaneous celebrations in the city that torchlit crowds escorted the bishops home chanting her praises.

Major writings

• Third Letter to Nestorius

  Contains the twelve anathemas defining orthodox Christology, approved at Ephesus.

• Commentary on John

  A major exegetical and theological work on the Fourth Gospel.

Important teachings

Cyril teaches that Christ is one divine Person in two natures, so that Mary, who bore that Person in the flesh, is rightly called Theotokos, Mother of God. He also defends the real reception of Christ's flesh in the Eucharist as the means of our union with the divine life.

Quotations