born 0441; 393, Antioch, Syria
died 0441; 458/466
Syrian theologian and bishop whose writings were a moderating influence on the 5th-century Christological disputes.
First a monk, he became bishop of Cyrrhus (near Antioch) by 423. Influenced by St. John Chrysostom and Theodore of Mopsuestia , he opposed allegorical interpretations of scripture and attributed a human nature to Christ. Accused of being a Nestorian heretic, he made conciliatory statements accepting the term "god-bearer" for Mary (thereby stressing Jesus' divinity). He was declared a heretic nevertheless (449) and was sent into exile. He was partially vindicated by the Council of Chalcedon (451), which agreed to declare him orthodox provided he condemn his friend Nestorius , and he reluctantly complied.