Saint Cyril of Alexandria

Cyril was born around 376 in Egypt and was the nephew of Theophilus, patriarch of Alexandria. He received a strong education in Scripture and theology and succeeded his uncle as patriarch in 412. His early years were marked by fierce conflicts in the city, and he could be harsh with opponents, but he grew into one of the great theologians of the early Church.

Around 428 Nestorius, patriarch of Constantinople, objected to calling Mary Theotokos, Mother of God, preferring to call her only the mother of Christ. Cyril insisted that Jesus is one divine Person, true God and true man, so Mary truly is the Mother of God. At the Council of Ephesus in 431, which Cyril presided over, the bishops affirmed this title. He died on June 27, 444, and Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1882.

The Eastern Churches call Cyril the Seal of the Fathers, and the Coptic Church of Egypt honors him as one of its greatest patriarchs.

Every time Catholics pray Holy Mary, Mother of God in the Hail Mary, they echo the faith he defended at Ephesus.