Cyril of Alexandria

Lore & Background

Cyril was born circa 376 in Didouseya, Egypt. His maternal uncle Theophilus became Patriarch of Alexandria, and under his guidance Cyril received a formal Christian education, studying grammar, rhetoric, humanities, and theology. In 403, he accompanied his uncle to the Synod of the Oak in Constantinople, which deposed John Chrysostom. After Theophilus died on 15 October 412, Cyril became Patriarch on 18 October 412, following a riot between his supporters and those of Archdeacon Timotheus. He began his authority by closing Novatianist churches and seizing their vessels.

Reader's Guide

Cyril's significance lies in his role as a major player in the Christological controversies of his era, particularly his dispute with Nestorius and his leadership at the Council of Ephesus in 431, which resulted in Nestorius's deposition. His actions, including the expulsion of Novatians and Jews from Alexandria, and his conflict with Prefect Orestes, highlight the volatile religious and political climate of the city. Historians disagree over his responsibility for the murder of the philosopher Hypatia, which some think he inflamed. His Paschal table, based on a 19-year lunar cycle adopted around 425, influenced later calendar calculations, including those of Dionysius Exiguus. Cyril's legacy is complex: revered as a Church Father and Doctor, yet declared a heretic by Nestorian bishops at the Council of Ephesus, who labeled him a 'monster, born and educated for the destruction of the church.' His feast day is observed on various dates by different Christian traditions.

Did You Know?

• Cyril was enthroned as Patriarch of Alexandria in 412 after a riot between his supporters and those of Archdeacon Timotheus.
• He excluded Patriarch John of Antioch from the Council of Ephesus for arriving late.
• Cyril's Paschal table used a 19-year lunar cycle adopted around 425, which later influenced Dionysius Exiguus's table.
• The Catholic Church added his feast only in 1882, initially on 9 February, later moved to 27 June.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Cyril is counted among the Church Fathers and also as a Doctor of the Church, and his reputation within the Christian world has resulted in his titles Pillar of Faith and Seal of all the Fathers." — Cyril of Alexandria "Noi per la fede di Cristo siamo pronti a subire tutto: le catene, il carcere, tutti gli incomodi della vita e la stessa morte." — Cyril of Alexandria "For the faith of Christ we are ready to suffer everything: chains, prison, all the inconveniences of life and death itself." — Cyril of Alexandria