Theodoret of Cyrus

Also: Theodoret of Cyrrhus, Theodoretus

Born probably in 393, in Antiochia (now Antakya, Turkey). Died perhaps between 457 and 466; the place is not known.

Bishop of the small town of Cyrrhus in Syria and the last great teacher of the school of Antioch. He wrote history, Bible commentaries and a defence of the two natures of Christ.

Wrote in Greek. A major author.

Places lived

393 to 416Antiochia (now Antakya, Turkey)youth, readeryears probable
416 to 423Nicerte, near Apamea (near Qal'at al-Madiq, Syria)monkyears probable, place probableThe monastery was at Nicerte, three miles from Apamea. The point is Apamea.
423 to 449Cyrrhus (now Nebi Huri, Syria)bishopyears probable
449 to 451Nicerte, near Apamea (near Qal'at al-Madiq, Syria)exileyears probable, place probable
451 to 457Cyrrhus (now Nebi Huri, Syria)bishopyears not sure, place probable

Works

6 works, in the order they were written. 4 works can be read here.

Cure of Greek Maladiesc. 419 to 437 · place not known · apologyThe last of the great defences of the faith against the Greeks.not yet on the site
Lettersc. 430 to 460 · probably in Cyrrhus (now Nebi Huri, Syria) · letterAbout 230 letters, many from the crisis of 447 to 451.91,122 words
Commentary on Romansbefore 448, perhaps the 440s · perhaps in Cyrrhus (now Nebi Huri, Syria) · commentaryA short verse-by-verse commentary on Paul's letter to the Romans, the first part of his commentary on all fourteen letters.51,428 words
Religious Historyc. 440 to 444 · probably in Cyrrhus (now Nebi Huri, Syria) · historyLives of about thirty monks of Syria, with Symeon the Stylite.not yet on the site
Eranistes447 to 448 · probably in Cyrrhus (now Nebi Huri, Syria) · dialogueThree dialogues against those who said that Christ has one nature.77,099 words
Ecclesiastical History449 to 450 · perhaps in Cyrrhus (now Nebi Huri, Syria) · historyA history of the church from 323 to 428.118,839 words

How we know the dates and places

Born probable: Counted from his own letters. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Theodoret'.
Place of birth sure: Theodoret, Religious History 9 and 13
Died not sure: Gennadius, On Illustrious Men 89 (he died under the emperor Leo I)
Scholars say about 460 or 466.
Place of death not known: No ancient source names a place.
Antiochia, years probable: Theodoret, Religious History 9 and 13; Letters 81 and 113
Antiochia, place sure: Theodoret, Religious History 9 and 13; Letters 81 and 113
Nicerte, near Apamea, years probable: Theodoret, Letters 81 and 119
Nicerte, near Apamea, place probable: Theodoret, Letters 81 and 119
Cyrrhus, years probable: Theodoret, Letters 81, 113 and 116 (bishop for 26 years in 449)
Cyrrhus, place sure: Theodoret, Letters 81, 113 and 116 (bishop for 26 years in 449)
Nicerte, near Apamea, years probable: Theodoret, Letter 119
Nicerte, near Apamea, place probable: Theodoret, Letter 119
Cyrrhus, years not sure: Acts of the Council of Chalcedon, session 8 (he got his see back)
Cyrrhus, place probable: Acts of the Council of Chalcedon, session 8 (he got his see back)