Saint Cyril of Alexandria
Saint Cyril of Alexandria was a prominent Christian theologian and ecclesiastical leader, born into a notable Christian family around the late 4th century CE. He became the patriarch of Alexandria in 412 CE after a contentious succession struggle, following in the footsteps of his influential uncle, Theophilus. Cyril is known for his vigorous efforts to promote orthodox Christianity and implement aggressive antipagan policies, aiming to elevate Alexandria's status as a key center of Christian authority within the Roman Empire. His contributions to theological debates, particularly during the Nestorian controversy and at the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE, helped shape the direction of early Christian thought.
Cyril's close ties with the imperial family enhanced his political significance, although his legacy is marked by controversy due to the atmosphere of violence associated with his tenure, including rising anti-Jewish sentiment and the murder of the philosopher Hypatia in 415 CE. Despite these associations, his extensive writings and theological positions gained recognition over time, significantly influencing both Eastern and Western Christianity. Today, Cyril is often regarded as a Saint in various Christian traditions, highlighting his complex and significant role in the development of Christian doctrine and ecclesiastical power.
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Saint Cyril of Alexandria
Related civilizations: Roman Egypt, Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Patriarch of Alexandria
Life
Cyril (SIH-ruhl) of Alexandria was born into an influential Christian family that included his uncle Theophilus, patriarch of Alexandria (385-412 c.e.). Raised near the capital, Cyril appears to have been groomed as the successor to his uncle’s important ecclesiastical position. Indeed, when after a vicious struggle Cyril became patriarch (412 c.e.), he continued both his uncle’s aggressive antipagan policies in Egypt and his attempts to make Alexandria the most influential of the urban centers in the Roman Empire. His position and policies were furthered through his extensive writings and his participation in doctrinal controversies, such as the Nestorian controversy, which included the Council of Ephesus (431 c.e.). Cyril formed strong bonds with the imperial household, making his political and religious influence in Alexandria even greater. Though he was not entirely responsible for violence against those who followed non-Christian religious beliefs and philosophies, he has been consistently associated with the violent atmosphere that prevailed in Alexandria and that produced greater anti-Jewish sentiment in that city as well as the murder of Hypatia (415 c.e.), a Neoplatonic philosopher.
Influence
The work of the highly educated Cyril was crucial in the establishment of orthodox Christian theology and the advancement of orthodoxy in the halls of political power in Constantinople. In later years, his work found greater appreciation and therefore had greater influence on Western Christianity.
Bibliography
Burghardt, Walter J. The Image of God in Man According to Cyril of Alexandria. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 1957.
Cyril, Saint. Cyril of Alexandria. Translated by Norman Russell. New York: Routledge, 2000.
Kerrigan, Alexander. St. Cyril of Alexandria: Interpreter of the Old Testament. Rome: Pontificio Instituto Biblico, 1952.
Prestige, George Leonard. Fathers and Heretics. Reprint. London: SPCK, 1985.
Wilken, Robert Louis. Judaism and the Early Christian Mind: A Study of Cyril of Alexandria’s Exegesis and Theology. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1971.