St. Cyril of Alexandria: Defending the Truth and Honoring the Mother of God
Introduction:
Today, in the traditional Latin calendar, we commemorate the life and legacy of St. Cyril of Alexandria, a bishop, and doctor of the Church. During the early fifth century, St. Cyril assumed the position of Patriarch of Alexandria, where his intense personal devotion and zeal for the faith became evident. While his fervor had a significant impact, it required the guidance of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and penance to channel it toward holiness and his vocation. St. Cyril’s notable contributions include his defense of the truth surrounding the Incarnation and the honor due to the Blessed Mother, particularly against the erroneous teachings of Nestorius. As we reflect on St. Cyril’s life, we are reminded of the importance of upholding the truth in the face of confusion and the significance of devotion to the Mother of God, as emphasized by Our Lady of Fatima.
The Incarnation and the Mother of God:
During St. Cyril’s time as Patriarch, Nestorius, the Patriarch of Constantinople, spread confusion by incorrectly teaching that Mary should not be called the Mother of God but rather the Mother of Christ. This erroneous belief undermined both the honor due to the Blessed Mother and a proper understanding of the Incarnation. St. Cyril, recognizing the significance of this issue, charitably and patiently responded to Nestorius with two admonishments before bringing the matter to the attention of the Pope. St. Cyril’s tireless efforts in defending the truth regarding the divine and human nature of Christ ultimately led to his recognition as a Doctor of the Church.
The Call to Uphold the Truth:
St. Cyril’s life and teachings serve as a reminder of the importance of steadfastly adhering to the truth of our faith. In an era where confusion and the errors of Russia have infiltrated the Church, it can be challenging to articulate and comprehend the mysteries of our faith. However, as Our Lady of Fatima warned, this is precisely the time when humility and faithfulness are crucial. In light of Her instructions, let us follow the example of St. Cyril by meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, which enable us to delve deeper into the life of Christ and His Mother. Through this devotion, we seek refuge in the Immaculate Heart of the Mother of God, drawing closer to Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Conclusion:
St. Cyril of Alexandria’s unwavering defense of the truth regarding the Incarnation and the honor due to the Blessed Mother inspires us to remain steadfast in our faith. His life reminds us of the importance of seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, engaging in prayer and penance, and remaining faithful to the teachings of the Church. In an era marked by confusion, we must emulate St. Cyril’s zeal for the truth and honor the call of Our Lady of Fatima to meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary. By doing so, we unite ourselves with the Immaculate Heart of Mary and draw closer to Jesus, who is the source of all truth. May the example of St. Cyril guide us in upholding the truth and deepening our love for the Mother of God.
If you appreciate our work and would like to provide ongoing support for the episcopal ministry of Bishop Athanasius Schneider, we encourage you to consider becoming a Servant of Mary. By doing so, you can make a difference and contribute to the cause. Visit the following link to learn more and join us in our mission: