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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