Alexandria at the Beginning of the Fifth Century: St. Cyril and His Opponents
Alexandria at the Beginning of the Fifth Century: St. Cyril and His Opponents

Summary/Abstract: Alexandria in the fifth century AD was the scene of clashes both in terms of socio-political and ecclesiastical level. The central figure was that of St. Cyril of Alexandria. He fought the virulence of all factors, irrespective of their nature, which could violate the church and theological unity that he represented. Since the early years of his pastorship, he was concerned about this unity; Consequently, he was an ardent opponent of potential enemies “inside” and “outside” of the Church: the various schisms that acted within the Church like the Novatian, respectively members of the Jewish and pagan Alexandrian communities. In order to achieve the goal of unity, Cyril did not hesitate to seize the socio-political context, trying wherever possible to ensure the support of the imperial authorities (and when it was not possible, at least to neutralize them). He managed his undertaking mostly in, although some failures have been inherent given the inexperience of a young bishop as he was.

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