Cyril of Alexandria

Also: Cyrillus Alexandrinus

Born probably between 375 and 380, by tradition in Theodosiou (Didouseya), now site not sure; near El Mahalla El Kubra, Egypt. Died in 444, in Alexandria, Egypt.

Bishop of Alexandria and the leader against Nestorius at the Council of Ephesus. He taught that Christ is one person, so Mary is rightly called Mother of God.

Wrote in Greek. A major author.

Places lived

403 to 444Alexandria, Egyptcleric under his uncle Theophilus, bishop from 412years probableHe was at Ephesus for the council from June to October 431.

Works

9 works, in the order they were written. 8 works can be read here.

Commentary on Johnc. 425 to 428 · probably in Alexandria, Egypt · commentaryA long commentary on the Gospel of John, firm against the Arians.525,688 words
Letters to Nestorius, with the Twelve Anathemas429 to 430 · in Alexandria, Egypt · letterThe three letters, with the twelve anathemas, that began the fight over the title "Mother of God".5,899 words
Scholia on the Incarnationc. 429 to 432 · probably in Alexandria, Egypt · treatiseShort notes on what it means that the Word became man.22,850 words
Commentary on Lukec. 430 · probably in Alexandria, Egypt · homilyOne hundred and fifty-six sermons on Luke.273,351 words
Five Tomes Against Nestorius430 · probably in Alexandria, Egypt · treatiseFive books that answer the sermons of Nestorius line by line.78,344 words
Against the Synousiasts (fragments)after 432 · probably in Alexandria, Egypt · treatisePieces of a book against the extreme followers of Apollinaris, who mixed the flesh of Christ with his Godhead.6,184 words
Against Julianc. 433 to 441 · probably in Alexandria, Egypt · apologyAn answer to the emperor Julian's book Against the Galileans.not yet on the site
That Christ Is Onec. 434 to 438 · probably in Alexandria, Egypt · dialogueA dialogue on the one Christ, God and man, his ripest work.36,396 words
Against Diodore of Tarsus and Theodore of Mopsuestia (fragments)about 438 · probably in Alexandria, Egypt · treatisePieces of three books that attack the two Antiochene teachers as the source of the teaching of Nestorius.23,985 words

How we know the dates and places

Born probable: Scholars say about 378. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Cyril of Alexandria'.
Place of birth by tradition: John of Nikiu, Chronicle 79
The source is from the seventh century. The site is not sure.
Died sure: Socrates, Church History 7.7 (bishop from October 412); his death is after the end of that History, and the usual date is 27 June 444
Place of death sure: Leo the Great, Letter 9, to Cyril's successor Dioscorus
Alexandria, years probable: Cyril, Letter 33 (he was at the Synod of the Oak in 403; the letter number is from memory); Socrates, Church History 7.7
Alexandria, place sure: Cyril, Letter 33 (he was at the Synod of the Oak in 403; the letter number is from memory); Socrates, Church History 7.7