The Seven Ecumenical Councils Lesson 7: The First Council of Ephesus

Background to the Council: Nestorius vs. Cyril over Christology

Background to the Council Theotokos – Title for the Blessed Virgin Mary Means “God-Bearer” or “Mother of God” A statement about Christ’s divinity, not Marian veneration Common in the early 5th Century in Constantinople

Nestorius Nestorius of Constantinople Born in Antioch late 4th Century Schooled in Antiochene doctrine, esp. Theodore of Mopsuestia Bishop of Constantinople (Pope of the East) in 428 by Emperor Theodosius II

Nestorius Christmas Morning of 428 Preached against the title “Theotokos” Wrong to call a baby “God” Confused Christ’s human and divine natures Divine nature cannot be born or die

Nestorius Christmas Morning of 428 Preached against the title “Theotokos” Wrong to call a baby “God” Confused Christ’s human and divine natures Divine nature cannot be born or die

Nestorius Considered title to be crypto-Apollinarianism (i.e. not fully human) Recommended the title Christotokos, “Christ-Bearer,” instead Not denying Christ’s divinity or the Virgin birth Rather denying “creaturely” attributes to the Logos

Nestorius Applying typical Antiochene Doctrine Two natures, two persons In an Easter letter in 429 made the title Theotokos heresy in his patriarchy

Cyril Cyril of Alexandria Bishop of Alexandria in 412 Sent spies to Constantinople to catch Antiochenes in heresy Later sent agents to put up billboards in Constantinople comparing Nestorius’ statements to those of past teachers of Adoptionism

Cyril Developed the idea of the ”Hypostatic Union” Two natures (human and divine) in one hypostasis, or “personal subject,” of the Logos. Son of God takes on a human nature and existence while remaining truly divine.

Cyril Mary gave birth to God in flesh – Essence of Incarnation One person with two natures, two “modes of being” Cyril, however, preferred to speak of one unified nature

Background to the Council Cyril and Nestorius wrote many letters to each other, circulated through the Church Eventually Cyril appealed to Celestine, Bishop of Rome to weigh in

Background to the Council Celestine investigated, and concluded Nestorius was a heretic who should be deposed. Cyril used Celestine’s letter to urge the Emperor to call a Council Theodosius II reluctantly agreed, set for 431 in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey)

Rival Councils – Ephesus 431

Rival Councils - Alexandrians Cyril and his Bishops arrive, wait a few days When no one else showed up, they convened the council - Affirmed the Creed - Read some of the letters from and to Nestorius - Condemned Nestorius and his teachings as heresy

Rival Councils - Alexandrians Wrote a declaration, but no new Creed: “One and the same is the eternal Son of the Father and the Son of the Virgin Mary, born in time after the flesh; therefore she may rightly be called Mother of God.”

Rival Councils - Antiochenes John, Patriarch of Antioch, and his bishops arrive after Cyril’s had made conclusions Set up a rival Council in Ephesus Condemn Cyril, affirm Nestorius

Rival Councils –Westerns While they were meeting, the Western bishops and delegates arrive Join Cyril’s council Ratified the conclusions of Cyril’s council Condemned Nestorius

Rival Councils –Westerns The Emperor had to sort it out Note: Emperor was absent, worked through a proxy Affirmed the condemnation of Nestorius Condition: Cyril was to affirm a distinction in Christ’s two natures, but not division

Rival Councils –Westerns Formula of Reunion, 433 – Document by the Emperor, ratified by Cyril and John Both Alexandria and Antioch got what they wanted Alexandria: deposition and exile of Nestorius Antioch: affirmation of two natures

Rival Councils –Westerns Apollinarianism and Nestorianism were both condemned Orthodox cannot deny the humanity of Christ’s soul, nor divide the two natures into two persons Human mind, divine mind, not two persons

Canons of Ephesus I

Canons of Ephesus I Canons 1-5 – Condemned Nestorianism and Pelagianism (via Caelestius) and their followers as heretics. Canon 6 – Decreed deposition any bishop, priest, or deacon who do not accept the Council’s decrees Canon 7 – Affirmed the Nicene Creed, and condemned a popular interpretation written by a priest named Charisius Canon 8 – Condemned inter-Provincial meddling or poaching