St Cyril of Alexandria - The Unity of Christ
St Cyril of Alexandria (c. 378 - 444 AD) was a consummate ecclesiastical politician, theologian and biblical commentator. He is best known as a key player in the 5th century Christological crisis in the run-up to the important Council of Chalcedon (451 AD).
The young Cyril enjoyed the patronage of his uncle Theophilus (archbishop of the powerful see of Alexandria) and received an excellent education in this important ancient cultural and intellectual centre. On his uncle's death, Cyril succeeded him as archbishop, becoming embroiled from the start in tensions between the Christian and Jewish/pagan factions in the city.
Other tensions were to mark his career, specifically the bitter debate with the archbishop of Constantinople (Nestorius) over Christology (the "God-man" makeup of the person of Christ). This crisis came to a head at the Council of Ephesus (431 AD) at which Cyril appointed himself both judge & jury. Rather unsurprisingly, the council saw Cyril's Christological perspective triumph against an alternative view put forward by Nestorius.
However, this was far from the end of the matter, and Cyril's views continued to provide a focus at the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD). The results of this council caused divisions in the Eastern Church which persist to the present day.
This course will provide an overview of Cyril's life & works, his perspective on the person of Christ and his clash with Nestorius, as well as a little insight into the fascinating world of international ecclesiastical politics in the 5th century! Most importantly, we will examine the reasons why Cyril advocated his position so vehemently.
This is the fourth in a series focussing on four important figures from early Egyptian Christianity, spanning the late-second to mid-fifth centuries. Each course will provide an introduction to the individual in question, covering their life, work and unique contribution to the issues of their day with the aim to provide inspiration and provoke reflection for us in our contemporary setting.
Do I need to have any previous knowledge?
Absolutely no previous knowledge of Church history or theology is assumed (although clergy or readers with some background knowledge will still find much of interest). If you’ve read all the way down to this bit and are still interested, you’re sufficiently qualified to attend!
Refreshments
Coffee, tea and a selection of non-caffeinated teas will be provided during breaks, along with a variety of sugary snacks and biscuits. Please bring a favourite mug on the day.
You will also need to bring your own packed lunch. Please note that there are no options to purchase food locally!
Course Location
The location for this Study Day is the Davison Room at Ripon College Cuddesdon.
Can I just turn up on the day?
No! Please book in advance. (We don’t want to run out of sweet treats…)