St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria +444

St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria +444

June 27th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Cyril Patriarch of Alexandria +444 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Mor Coorilos was born in 376 AD in Alexandria. He was consecrated bishop by his uncle. On 17 October, AD 412 he became the Patriarch of Alexandria. Nestorius who ascended as the Patriarch of Constantinople in AD 421 started spreading heresies about Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. According to him Mary was mother only to the humanness of Christ, who earned His divinity only after His birth. Nestorius also indoctrinated that it was wrong to address Mary as the mother of God; instead she should be called only as the mother of Christ. St. Cyril presided over the Council of Ephesus convened by Emperor Theodosyus II. The Council which commenced on 22 June, 431 AD was attended by one hundred and fifty-nine bishops. The Council of Ephesus analysed the heresies of Nestorius and declared that “in Jesus Christ the God head and man head have converged into one unity" and that Mary was the mother of God (Theotokos/Yoldath Aloho) The profound interpretations of St. Cyril earned him the title, “the Doctor of Incarnation” He also countered the opinions of Nestorius in a book titled, “The true faith about the Incarnation of Christ.” St. Cyril is described in the fifth diptych (thubden) of the Holy Qurbono, as one who proved clearly the incarnation of Jesus Christ and as the tower of honesty. The glorious saint is also described as one who revealed the humanhood of the Word. He had learned theology from many eminent scholars but he encouraged instruction from none other than the very ancient teachers. It was a strong edict practiced by him. Mor Coorilos also wrote commentaries on the Gospels and other books of the Holy Bible. The protector of True faith, St. Cyril, had to face much harassment from the disciples of Nestorius as he opposed their dissenting views. St. Cyril is presented as a quarrel monger by some historians but his stand was always clear, “peace is desirable but it should not be at the cost of faith”. Biography courtesy, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' Oh Mor Coorilos! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen. BL17134