Cyril of Alexandria

Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376–444 AD) was a prominent theologian and bishop who played a crucial role in early Christianity. He is best known for his staunch opposition to Nestorianism, a belief that distinguished between the divine and human aspects of Christ too sharply. Cyril emphasized the unity of Christ's nature, asserting that He was fully divine and fully human. His teachings contributed to the formulation of key doctrines at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, which affirmed the Virgin Mary as the "Theotokos" (God-bearer). Cyril also made significant contributions to biblical interpretation and the defense of Christian orthodoxy.