A Scholarly Advocate of Mary: St. Cyril of Alexandria

Our Holy Mother, Mary, found a powerful advocate in the early Church in the person of Saint Cyril of Alexandria (ca 380 - ca 444).  One of his most powerful arguments is found in his defense of the title “Theotokos” (Mother of God) at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD.  While the city of Alexandria was a cosmopolitan center of all peoples, it is not the conflicts with the pagans or Jews that Saint Cyril is primarily remembered today. Instead, it was during his confrontation with Nestorius that Cyril rose to prominence. This conflict began when Nestorius became Patriarch of Constantinople. A priest in the area preached against the term Theotokos, arguing that Mary could not be the Mother of God. The Blessed Virgin had long been called by that title but it was not yet Church doctrine. Nestorius affirmed this priest and argued that Mary was merely the mother of Christ’s human nature, not his divine nature.

 St. Cyril saw, keenly, that what we say about Mary is crucial for how we understand her son, Jesus. If Mary were the mother of Jesus’ physical body but somehow not the mother of God, then this would mean Christ was divided into two separate natures, one human and one divine. And while Jesus is both fully divine and fully man, he is not divided. Cyril gave an invaluable apology of this truth and expressed it with clarity, shedding light on its implications for how we ought to understand Christ’s mother, the Theotokos, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Cyril understood that if what we say about Christ is true — that from the moment of his incarnation he was fully man and yet remained fully God — than Mary ought to be venerated the one who gave flesh to and bore the King of the Universe. So Saint Cyril proclaims boldly that Mary is Theotokos as well as “Virgin-Mother, light bearer, uncorrupt vessel.” Such effusive praise is not mere sentimentality or poetic hyperbole. Saint Cyril, Doctor of the Church, always reasoned and wrote with surgical precision and careful accuracy. And so his devotion to Mary was the result of his understanding of who Christ is and, in turn, what his mother must be. Cyril saw the beauty of this mystery and couldn’t help but be moved. His writing is a testament not just to orthodoxy but also to Mary’s ability to soften even the roughest exteriors. Fortunately for all of us, Saint Cyril’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, theologically sound and orthodox, became official Church doctrine at the Council of Ephesus.

In the words of St. Cyril;

Hail, Mary, Mother of God, venerable treasure of the whole universe, lamp that is never extinguished, crown of virginity, support of the true faith, indestructible temple, dwelling of Him whom no place can contain, O Mother and Virgin. Through you, all the holy Gospels call blessed the One who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hail, Mother of God.  You enclosed under your heart the infinite God whom no space can contain. Through you the Most Holy Trinity is adored and glorified, the priceless cross is venerated throughout the universe. Through you, the heavens rejoice, and the angels and archangels are filled with gladness.  Through you, the demons are banished, and the tempter fell from heaven. Through you, the fallen human race is admitted to heaven.

Hail, Mother of God.  Through you, kings rule, and the only-begotten Son of God has become a star of light to those who were sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.

Perhaps, St. Cyril’s love of Mary can be summed up in the following excerpt from the Office of Readings for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) on August 5; “Behold then the joy of the whole universe. Let the union of God and man in the Son of the Virgin Mary fill us with awe and adoration. Let us fear and worship the undivided Trinity as we sing the praise of the ever-virgin Mary, the holy temple of God, and of God himself, her Son and spotless Bridegroom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

St. Cyril’s words stand out from many other saints who offered insights to Mary.  Alexandria was a city known for learning and logical discourse.  His writings reflected these dispositions and gave faith a powerful depth of understanding.  So powerful were his writings, he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1882. 

His feast day is June 27th.