Athanasius And Cyril — Saint Anthansius is one of the great figures of Christianity. He is call the “champion of orthodoxy” as he resolutely opposed Arianism. Five times Athanasius was called for his defense of the doctrine of Christ’s divinity.
During one period of his life, he enjoyed 10 years 0f relative peace — reading, writing and promoting the Christian life along the lines of the monastic idea to which he was devoted. His dogmatic and historical writings are almost all polemic, directed against every aspect of Arianism.
Athanasius suffered many trials whe he was bishop of Alexandria. He was given the grace to remain strong against what probably seemed at times to be insurmountable opposition. He defended the true faith for his flock, regardless of the cost to himself. In today’s world, we are experiencing this same call to remain true to our faith, no matter what.
Saint Cyril’s importance for theology and Church history lies in his championing the cause of orthodoxy against the heresy of Nestorius.
Nestorianism implied that the humanity of Christ was a mere disguise. At the Council of Ephesus (431), Cyril condemned Nestorianism and proclaimed Mary truly the “God-bearer” or “Theotokos”, the mother of the one Person who is truly God and truly human.
In the confusion that followed, Cyril was deposed and imprisoned for three months, after which was was welcomed back to Alexandria as a second Athanasius.
Lives of the saints are valuable not only for the virtue they reveal but also for the less admirable qualities that also appear.
Holiness is a gift of God to us human beings. Life is a process. We respond to God’s gift, but sometimes with a lot of zigzagging.
If Cyril had been more patient and diplomatic, the Nestorian Church might not have risen and maintained power so long.
But even saints must grow out of immaturity, narrowness and selfishness. It is because they — and we — do grow, that we are truly saints, persons who live the life of God.
