Biblical-Theological Values in the Thought and Work of St. Cyril of Alexandria

• Published in: Teologia Vol. 95; no. 2; pp. 69 - 84
• Main Author: Fer, Vasile - Doru
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editura Universității Aurel Vlaicu 2023; Aurel Vlaicu University Publishing House
• Subjects: Ancient World; Biblical studies; Christian Theology and Religion; History of Religion; biblical values; Saint Cyril of Alexandria; confession; teaching elements; apology
• ISSN: 2247-4382; 2247-4382

This study aims to address, first of all, the context and the way in which Christian teaching spread in the city of Alexandria of Egypt, and this from the simple reasoning that is based on the command of the Savior to “...teach all nations...” (Matt 28,19), a command reiterated before His Ascension into Heaven: “... and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1, 8). The value of these commandments was such that the spread of Christianity also took place on the territory of Africa, more specifically in the city of Alexandria, through the missionary preaching of St Mark the Evangelist, an activity which was carried forward by many outstanding representatives of patristic literature, among whom we recall St Cyril, the twenty-fourth bishop to be enthroned on the archiepiscopal throne of St Mark the Apostle, i.e. of the city of Alexandria. In fact, if we recall the biography and the work of the illustrious Alexandrian hierarch, we will see that it oscillates between the defence of the right faith and its confession, the theological values exposed in his works as well as the life dedicated to the Church and to the service of Christ, in which he suffered, fought and triumphed as a true “hostage” of Christ, will help us to shape his perspective, his priorities and his deep theological thinking.