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Saint Cyril of Alexandria
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Saint Cyril of Alexandria

Patriarch of Alexandria who defended Mary's title Mother of God at Ephesus

Rank
Saint
Kind
Bishop, Doctor of the Church
Life
~376 – 444
Era
5th century
Feast
27 June
Countries
Egypt
Egypt

Life story

Cyril was born around 376 in Egypt. His uncle Theophilus, patriarch of Alexandria, raised him and brought him into Church life. He accompanied his uncle to a synod at the Oak near Constantinople, then succeeded him as patriarch of Alexandria in 412. In his early years he was locked in rivalry for influence with the city governor, and historians still debate his role in the urban conflicts of that time.

He became best known for his dispute with Nestorius, patriarch of Constantinople from 428. Some of Nestorius's sermons were understood as rejecting the title Theotokos, meaning bearer of God, for Mary. Cyril wrote against this and insisted that Christ is one person. The general council at Ephesus in 431, which he led, condemned these views, but the bishops of the Antioch region arrived late and held a separate meeting. The quarrel was settled only in 433 through the Formula of Reunion.

Cyril left many writings: commentaries on the Old Testament and on John's Gospel, and works on the Trinity and the incarnate Word. He died in 444. In 1882 Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church, and the Latin Church keeps his feast on 27 June. His writings shaped the vocabulary used in later debates about Christ, and they were studied in Greek, Syriac, Coptic and Latin traditions long after his death. He is also honoured as a saint in the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches.

Works and witness

  • Succeeded his uncle Theophilus as patriarch of Alexandria in 412
  • Opposed Nestorius and defended the title Theotokos for Mary
  • Led the Council of Ephesus in 431
  • Reached the Formula of Reunion with the Antiochene side in 433
  • Wrote many biblical commentaries; declared a Doctor of the Church in 1882

Saints from the same country

Saint Anthony of Egypt, Saint Athanasius, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Pachomius

References

  • Cyril of Alexandria, Letters and Commentary on John
  • Acts of the Council of Ephesus (431)
  • Martyrologium Romanum

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.