Saint Cyril of Alexandria

Saint Cyril of Alexandria was one of the greatest theologians the Church has ever produced. He became Archbishop of Alexandria in 412 AD and served until his death in 444 AD. He is sometimes called "the Seal of the Fathers" — his theological work built upon and completed what the great fathers before him had taught.

The central battle of his life was at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. A bishop named Nestorius was teaching that Mary should not be called Theotokos — Mother of God — but only Christotokos — Mother of Christ. Cyril understood that this distinction was not just about a title but about who Jesus really is. If Jesus is truly God who became human, then the one who bore Him is truly the Mother of God.

Cyril led the argument at Ephesus, and the Council declared Mary Theotokos — a title the Coptic Church holds with great love to this day. Cyril's theological writings — his commentaries on the Gospels and his letters — are treasures of the Church. He is called "Pillar of Faith" because his strong, deep teaching has supported the understanding of Christ in the Church ever since.