Cyril of Alexandria
Cyril of Alexandria (c. 375-444) was a theologian, bishop, father and Doctor of the Church. Little is known about his life before the start of the Nestorian controversy around 429. We do know that his uncle, Theophilus, influenced him greatly. Cyril succeeded Theophilus as patriarch of Alexandria in 412, despite fierce opposition. His early reign was marked by violence toward Jews and Pagans, the closing of Novatian churches, and the murder of Hypatia, a famous Neoplatonist philosopher. Cyril vigorously opposed unorthodox beliefs. He based his Christological thought upon the belief in one divine substance in three persons. He led attacks on Nestorianism, by appealing to Emperor Theodosius II and Pope Celestine I. He succeeded, and the Council of Ephesus (431) deposed Nestorius. Cyril's writings include scriptural exegeses, and dogmatic and apologetic works against Nestorius, Julian the Apostate and others. By 433 Cyril moderated his views to work toward unity between Antiochene and Alexandrian thought. Extremists of both sides attacked him, but later recognized him as a saint.
Elise Bender
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