Friday, June 27, 2014

Commemoration of Cyril of Alexandria, Pastor and Confessor



Today we remember and give thanks for Cyril of Alexandria, Pastor and Confessor. Cyril (ca. A.D. 376-444) became archbishop of Alexandria, Egypt, in 412. Throughout his career he defended a number of orthodox doctrines, among them the teaching that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is "rightly called and truly is the Mother of God"--Theotokos, "the God-bearer" (Formula of Concord, VIII, Ep VIII, 12). In 431 the Council of Ephesus affirmed this teaching that the Son of Mary is also true God. The writings of Cyril on the doctrines of the Trinity and the person of Christ reveal him to be one of the most able theologians of his time. Cyril's Christology influenced subsequent church councils and was a primary source for the Lutheran confessional writings.

Collect of the Day:
Heavenly Father, your servant Cyril steadfastly proclaimed your Son, Jesus Christ, to be one person, fully God and fully man.  By your infinite mercy, keep us constant in faith and worship of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


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