Theodoret of Cyrus
Bishop of Cyrrhus, Antiochene exegete and historian. Author of an Ecclesiastical History; defended Nestorius then accepted Chalcedon (451).
Why Theodoret matters
Theodoret was a brilliant Antiochene bishop caught between Cyril of Alexandria and Nestorius — he defended Nestorius's theology while rejecting his more extreme statements, and spent twenty years getting condemned, rehabilitated, and condemned again. He wrote the Ecclesiastical History that continues Eusebius, biblical commentaries that are still useful, and a Cure for Pagan Maladies that is one of the last and best Christian engagements with classical philosophy. He was finally rehabilitated at Chalcedon in 451 after agreeing to anathematise Nestorius. He's the case study for what happens when a careful, moderate theologian gets caught in a fight between two stronger personalities.
Chain to Jesus
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Common questions
- Who was Theodoret of Cyrus?
- Theodoret of Cyrus (393–460) — Bishop of Cyrrhus, Antiochene exegete and historian. Author of an Ecclesiastical History; defended Nestorius then accepted Chalcedon (451).
- Who did Theodoret of Cyrus oppose?
- Cyril of Alexandria and Apollinaris of Laodicea.
Sources for biography
- Theodoret, Hist. Eccl. primary
- Theodoret, Eranistes primary
- Theodoret, Epistulae primary
documented connections(4)
- cited Theodore of MopsuestiaTheodoret defended Theodore's writings.Theodoret, Eranistes
- opposed Cyril of AlexandriaTheodoret wrote a refutation of Cyril's Twelve Anathemas.Theodoret, Reprehensio XII Capitum Cyrilli
- cited Eusebius of CaesareaTheodoret continues Eusebius in his Hist. Eccl.Theodoret, Hist. Eccl. 1.1
- opposed Apollinaris of LaodiceaTheodoret treats Apollinarianism in his heresiological compendium and elsewhere as a Christological error denying Christ's full humanity.Theodoret, Haereticarum Fabularum Compendium 4.8