Cyril of Alexandria

Who they were

Cyril was born probably at Alexandria between 370 and 380, nephew of its bishop Theophilus, and was well educated for the Church. In 403 he went with his uncle to Constantinople for the Synod of the Oak that deposed John Chrysostom. In 412 he succeeded Theophilus as bishop of Alexandria.

He opposed Nestorius, bishop of Constantinople, who would not call Mary Mother of God, and defended the unity of Christ: two natures joined in a true union, 'one Christ and Son'. Nestorius was condemned, and in 433 Cyril reached a formula of reconciliation with the bishops of Antioch. He died on 27 June 444.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: Cyril has been honoured as a saint since his death. He is a Doctor of the Church.

Why that counted as sanctity

Cyril was, as Benedict XVI put it, a tireless and firm witness to Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of God, and defended the Church's faith that Mary is truly Mother of God.

Connected on this site

• Acacius of Beroea Saint
  “At a great age, he labored to reconcile Cyril of Alexandria and the Eastern Bishops at a Synod held at Beroea in 432 AD.” — Wikipedia
• Acacius of Melitene Saint
  “He was an opponent of Nestorius and close ally of Cyril of Alexandria at the Council of Ephesus of 431.” — Wikipedia
• Celestine I Saint
  “He was instrumental in the condemnation of Nestorius in the Council of Ephesus when Cyril of Alexandria appealed him to make a decision; in response, Celestine delegated to Cyril the job of condemning Nestorius if he did not recant his teachings.” — Wikipedia
• Cyril of Constantinople Saint
  “Later Carmelites attributed to him a prophecy that was not his, and he was for a time confused in the Breviary with St Cyril of Alexandria.” — this site's research
• Cyril of Jerusalem Saint
  “He should not be confused with Cyril of Alexandria.” — Wikipedia
• Dalmatius of Constantinople Saint
  “Following Cyril of Alexandria's instructions, Dalmatius led an army of monks to the palace of Theodosius II, and shouted abuse against him, because he had sided with the Nestorians and annulled the First Council of Ephesus.” — Wikipedia
• Isidore of Pelusium Saint
  “Isidore is known to us for his letters, written to Cyril of Alexandria, Theodosius II, and a host of others.” — Wikipedia
• John Chrysostom Saint
  “In 403 he went with his uncle to Constantinople for the Synod of the Oak that deposed John Chrysostom.” — this site's research
• Theodoret Saint
  “Theodoret wrote against Cyril of Alexandria's Twelve Anathemas, which were sent to Nestorius, and did not condemn Nestorius until the Council of Chalcedon.” — Wikipedia
• Theodotus of Ancyra Saint
  “Although he had earlier supported the Nestorian theology of Nestorius, bishop of Constantinople, Theodotus at the council supported Patriarch Cyril of Alexandria in condemning Nestorius.” — Wikipedia