The Thomistic Institute
The Life-Giving Appropriation of the Flesh: St. Cyril of Alexandria on the Unity of Christ | Prof. Paul Gavrilyuk
Mar 26, 2025
Professor Paul Gavrilyuk dives into St. Cyril of Alexandria's intriguing Christology, illuminating the complex relationship between divine majesty and human lowliness. He discusses the significance of the hypostatic union amidst the Nestorian controversy. His insights reveal how Cyril's thoughts shaped early Christian doctrine and continue to influence modern ecumenical dialogue. Gavrilyuk's expertise sheds light on the mystery of Christ's incarnation and its profound implications for sacramental life and salvation.
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Quick takeaways
- Cyril of Alexandria's Christology emphasizes the profound unity of Christ's divine and human natures through the mystery of the hypostatic union.
- The concept of kenosis highlights the necessity of Christ's full humanity in experiencing genuine human conditions for the redemption of mankind.
Deep dives
The Christological Controversy and its Background
The Christological controversy of the fifth century was deeply rooted in earlier theological discussions, particularly the Council of Nicaea's declaration of the Son's equality with the Father. Cyril of Alexandria's approach to Christology revolved around understanding the hypostatic union—how Christ can be fully divine and fully human. This controversy was intensified by opinions like those of Apollinaris, who proposed that Christ possessed a human body lacking a rational soul. In response, the Cappadocian fathers argued for the necessity of Christ's full humanity for the redemption of mankind, asserting that without the full assumption of human nature, humanity could not be salvaged.
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