Theodoret of Cyrus

Dates

around 393 - around 460 — Both dates approximate.

Region

Syria

Language of composition

Greek

Life

Theodoret was bishop of Cyrus, a small see in Syria, for more than thirty years. He wrote biblical commentaries, a history of the monks of Syria, an apologetic work against Greek philosophy, and an Ecclesiastical History covering 325 to 429.

He wrote against Cyril s twelve anathematisms, defended Nestorius for a time, was deposed at the Second Council of Ephesus in 449, and was restored at Chalcedon after being required to anathematise Nestorius.

Works

Generally accepted as authentic

• The Ecclesiastical History, Book I
• Books II-V; the Religious History; the Eranistes; biblical commentaries — Not archived here.

Theological and spiritual contribution

Theodoret s history preserves documents that Socrates and Sozomen do not, particularly letters from the Arian controversy, and is indispensable for that reason. His biblical commentaries are among the best products of the Antiochene school.

Controversy and reception

In 553 the Fifth Council condemned Theodoret s writings against Cyril as one of the Three Chapters, while not condemning his person. The distinction matters and is easily lost: the Church restored him at Chalcedon, and a century later condemned a specific body of his polemical writing. This site classifies him as an ecclesiastical writer and uses his history as a source, with that qualification stated.