Cyril of Alexandria
Patriarch of Alexandria and Doctor of the Church
Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376–444) served as the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 until his death, a period when the city held immense influence within the Roman Empire. He was a prolific writer and a major figure in the Christological debates of his era, most notably at the Council of Ephesus in 431, where his efforts led to the deposition of Nestorius, the Patriarch of Constantinople. Recognized as a Church Father and a Doctor of the Church, Cyril earned the titles "Pillar of Faith" and "Seal of all the Fathers." However, the Nestorian bishops at the same council declared him a heretic, calling him a "monster, born and educated for the destruction of the church." His tenure was marked by fierce disputes, including a conflict with Patriarch John of Antioch, whom Cyril excluded from the Council of Ephesus for arriving late. He also ordered the expulsion of Novatians and Jews from Alexandria. Historians debate his role in the murder of the philosopher Hypatia by a Christian mob, with some suggesting his actions inflamed tensions. Cyril sought favor with Emperor Theodosius II by dedicating his Paschal table to him. This table, adopted around 425, used a 19-year lunar cycle different from Anatolius’ earlier cycle but identical to one introduced by Annianus around 412; this cycle later formed the basis of Dionysius Exiguus’ Paschal table. His feast day is observed on various dates: the Catholic Church originally placed it on 9 February, but moved it to 27 June in 1969, a date also used by Lutherans and commemorated by the Church of England. Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Churches celebrate it on 9 June and jointly with Athanasius on 18 January, while Western Rite Orthodox within the Antiochian Western Rite Vicariate observe it on 28 January.
- born
- c. 376, Didouseya, Egypt
- died
- 444
- field
- Theology, Church leadership
- nationality
- Egyptian (Roman Empire)
- known_for
- Christological controversies, Council of Ephesus, dispute with Nestorius, expulsion of Novatians and Jews from Alexandria
Lore & Background
Cyril was born circa 376 in the town of Didouseya, Egypt (modern-day El-Mahalla El-Kubra). He was the nephew of Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, and was well educated in Christian writers. He accompanied his uncle to the Synod of the Oak in 403, which deposed John Chrysostom. Cyril became Patriarch on 18 October 412 after a riot between his supporters and those of Archdeacon Timotheus. He closed the churches of the Novatianists and seized their sacred vessels. His dispute with Prefect Orestes led to tensions, including the banishment of Jews from Alexandria after a violent incident. Historians disagree over his responsibility in the murder of Hypatia. He dedicated his Paschal table to Emperor Theodosius II, using a 19-year lunar cycle adopted around AD 425.
Reader's Guide
Cyril is counted among the Church Fathers and as a Doctor of the Church, with titles 'Pillar of Faith' and 'Seal of all the Fathers'. The Nestorian bishops at the Council of Ephesus declared him a heretic, labeling him a 'monster, born and educated for the destruction of the church'. His feast is celebrated on various dates: 9 February (added in 1882), 27 June (1969 Catholic calendar and Lutheran calendar), 9 June (Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic), 18 January (with Athanasius I), and 28 January (Western Rite Orthodox within the Antiochian Western Rite Vicariate). The Church of England commemorates him on 27 June.
Did You Know?
- Cyril's Paschal table used a 19-year lunar cycle adopted around AD 425, which was different from Anatolius's cycle but equal to Annianus's cycle introduced around AD 412.
- The Catholic Church did not commemorate Cyril in the Tridentine calendar; his feast was added only in 1882.
- Cyril excluded Patriarch John of Antioch from the Council of Ephesus for arriving late.
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
More in Notable Figures
Elsewhere in the Historical Figures universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record