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Prolegomena

Paul B. Clayton, Jr.

in The Christology of Theodoret of Cyrus: Antiochene Christology from the Council of Ephesus (431) to the Council of Chalcedon (451)

This chapter explores the evolution of the Christology of Theodoret. It discusses the life and works of Theodoret, his role in the evolution of classical Christology, and the present estimate of ... More

This chapter explores the evolution of the Christology of Theodoret. It discusses the life and works of Theodoret, his role in the evolution of classical Christology, and the present estimate of Theodoret's Christology in historical scholarship. A brief overview of the chapters in this book is presented.Less

The Antiochene Tradition Inherited by Theodoret

Paul B. Clayton, Jr.

in The Christology of Theodoret of Cyrus: Antiochene Christology from the Council of Ephesus (431) to the Council of Chalcedon (451)

This chapter explores the Antiochene tradition inherited by Theodoret. Theodoret's immediate predecessors in this tradition were Diodore of Tarsus, who died c.390 after a vigorous struggle against ... More

This chapter explores the Antiochene tradition inherited by Theodoret. Theodoret's immediate predecessors in this tradition were Diodore of Tarsus, who died c.390 after a vigorous struggle against the Arians and after justifying the humanity of Christ against Apollinaris, and Theodore of Mopsuestia. These were men whom Theodoret was to defend in 438 against Cyril as his own forerunners. Although it is unlikely that Theodore was Theodoret's personal instructor, his theology without any doubt took Theodore's as its starting-point.Less

Theodoret's Early Christology

Paul B. Clayton, Jr.

in The Christology of Theodoret of Cyrus: Antiochene Christology from the Council of Ephesus (431) to the Council of Chalcedon (451)

This chapter explores the early works of Theodoret. These include Graecarum Affectionum Curatio, Expositio Rectae Fidei, and Quaestiones et Responsiones ad Orthodoxos.

Two Physeis in One Prosopon

Paul B. Clayton, Jr.

in The Christology of Theodoret of Cyrus: Antiochene Christology from the Council of Ephesus (431) to the Council of Chalcedon (451)

This chapter explores the two-part work, De Sancta et Vivifica Trinitate and De Incarnatione Domini. These works mark Theodoret's transition from Theodoret the anti-Arian and anti-Apollinarian to ... More

This chapter explores the two-part work, De Sancta et Vivifica Trinitate and De Incarnatione Domini. These works mark Theodoret's transition from Theodoret the anti-Arian and anti-Apollinarian to Theodoret the anti-Cyrillian. In their original form, they must pre-date 431, but the present form of De Incarnatione Domini shows the marks of hasty editing during the Nestorian controversy. It represents the fullest systematic presentation of Theodoret's early, firmly Antiochene Christology. Its editing in the heat of controversy gives us an indication of the way in which Theodoret was responding to the crisis of the Council of Ephesus.Less

The Nestorian Crisis

Paul B. Clayton, Jr.

in The Christology of Theodoret of Cyrus: Antiochene Christology from the Council of Ephesus (431) to the Council of Chalcedon (451)

This chapter examines the Christological concepts and terms employed by Theodoret in the Nestorian controversy and in the movements that eventually led to a shaky peace with Cyril in the years 432-5. ... More

This chapter examines the Christological concepts and terms employed by Theodoret in the Nestorian controversy and in the movements that eventually led to a shaky peace with Cyril in the years 432-5. An examination of the texts shows that the Christology of this period is exactly what was uncovered in De Incarnatione Domini. The discovery of that work as Theodoret's allows us to see more clearly how the texts of 431-5 are to be interpreted, which in turn allows us to settle some of the disagreements among earlier students of Theodoret's works. The materials examined in this chapter include the Reprehensio XII Anathematismorum, undertaken early in 431 at the request of John of Antioch as a rebuttal from the Antiochene side to Cyril's third letter to Nestorius with its subjoined twelve anathemas or chapters; Epistles 150-79, which are concerned with the Nestorian crisis, the Council of Ephesus, and its aftermath; a few epistles from Collectio Casinensis, a Latin version of events surrounding Ephesus and the Union Creed of 432-3; and the few fragments of the Pentalogos which are extant, a work written by Theodoret against the Cyrillian Council of Ephesus.Less

The Mature Theodoret, 433–445

Paul B. Clayton, Jr.

in The Christology of Theodoret of Cyrus: Antiochene Christology from the Council of Ephesus (431) to the Council of Chalcedon (451)

This chapter begins by looking very briefly at the tenth sermon of Theodoret's on providence. It then examines the Isaiah and Pauline commentaries, the most important regarding the question of ... More

This chapter begins by looking very briefly at the tenth sermon of Theodoret's on providence. It then examines the Isaiah and Pauline commentaries, the most important regarding the question of Theodoret's Christology.Less

The Eutychian Crisis

Paul B. Clayton, Jr.

in The Christology of Theodoret of Cyrus: Antiochene Christology from the Council of Ephesus (431) to the Council of Chalcedon (451)

Cyril of Alexandria died in 444 and was succeeded by his nephew Dioscorus. His intrigues with Eutyches and Chrysaphius in Constantinople soon led to the outbreak of the Eutychian crisis, Eutyches' ... More

Cyril of Alexandria died in 444 and was succeeded by his nephew Dioscorus. His intrigues with Eutyches and Chrysaphius in Constantinople soon led to the outbreak of the Eutychian crisis, Eutyches' deposition by the synod of Constantinople in 448, the so-called Latrocinium at Ephesus the following year, and finally the Council of Chalcedon in 451. This chapter explores the Christology in Theodoret's literary works during the crisis period. Firstly is the Eranistes, published originally in 447 or 448, then There is One Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ of 448, and a fairly large collection of letters that Theodoret wrote to defend himself against the charges of the opposing party. Finally, there are a few fragments of a letter written to John of Aegae after Chalcedon and the Haereticarum Fabularum Compendium.Less

Conclusions

Paul B. Clayton, Jr.

in The Christology of Theodoret of Cyrus: Antiochene Christology from the Council of Ephesus (431) to the Council of Chalcedon (451)

This chapter presents a synthesis of discussion in the preceding chapters and some conclusions. It is argued that Theodoret's Christology remains a two-subject one to the end. The Church owes an ... More

This chapter presents a synthesis of discussion in the preceding chapters and some conclusions. It is argued that Theodoret's Christology remains a two-subject one to the end. The Church owes an eternal debt to Theodoret of Cyrus, due to his insistence on teaching a real and genuine humanity in the Incarnation.Less

Controlling the Barbarians. The First Syrian Hagiographic Collection

Philip Wood

in ‘We have no king but Christ’: Christian Political Thought in Greater Syria on the Eve of the Arab Conquest (c.400-585)

This chapter discusses the hagiography of Theodoret of Cyrrhus as a specific example of the observation of self‐control amongst barbarian peoples and the ‘improvement’ of the provinces of the Roman ... More

This chapter discusses the hagiography of Theodoret of Cyrrhus as a specific example of the observation of self‐control amongst barbarian peoples and the ‘improvement’ of the provinces of the Roman world. Theodoret observes the self‐control of Syrian holy men, in spite of their barbaric behaviour, and follows earlier apologists in emphasising Christianity's barbarian origins and the unimportance of Greek. Theodoret engaged with a world where charismatic saints of the previouscentury had inspired contemporary ascetic behaviour. His hagiography is an attemptto appropriate and control the reputations of these holy men and to present himself as the perceptive guide to the dangerous frontier of Syriac‐speakers, able to exclude the heretical and praise the holy.Less

The Council of Chalcedon by Michael Whitby

G. E. M. De Ste. Croix

in Christian Persecution, Martyrdom, and Orthodoxy

Ste. Croix continued his challenge to traditional views about the history of the early Church through an exhaustive study of the Council of Chalcedon, which Emperor Marcian summoned in 451 in an ... More

Ste. Croix continued his challenge to traditional views about the history of the early Church through an exhaustive study of the Council of Chalcedon, which Emperor Marcian summoned in 451 in an attempt to resolve disputes about how the divine and human elements combined in the single person of Christ. His investigation revealed that proceedings were kept under close imperial control, which was implemented through the presiding officer, the general Anatolius. Far from being a neutral referee, Anatolius emerges as a significant correspondent of Bishop Theodoret, one of the key individuals at Chalcedon where he was reinstated in spite of doubts about his doctrinal views. Church Councils are revealed to have been particularly unruly events, with the attending bishops repeatedly shouting down their opponents, the detailed records being subject to manipulation, and violence or intimidation never far away.Less

The Macarian Writings and their Historical Context

Marcus Plested

in The Macarian Legacy: The Place of Macarius-Symeon in the Eastern Christian Tradition

This chapter explores the historical context of the Macarian writings: their authorship, location, and date. It also outlines the physical shape of the Macarian corpus: the principal forms of the ... More

This chapter explores the historical context of the Macarian writings: their authorship, location, and date. It also outlines the physical shape of the Macarian corpus: the principal forms of the Greek manuscript tradition and the most important of the translations. It goes on to tackle the vexed question of the relationship between Macarius and the Messalian tendency, demonstrating the very substantial problems behind a simplistic identification of the two. It closes with a consideration of the possible insights offered by the Life of Hypatius into the early circulation of the writings.Less

Hippolytus Orientalis

J. A. Cerrato

in Hippolytus between East and West: The Commentaries and the Provenance of the Corpus

The explicit supposition of a prolific, eastern author appears in sources of the ancient and medieval periods. The first is Theodoret of Cyrrhus, who designates Hippolytus a father of ‘the east’. ... More

The explicit supposition of a prolific, eastern author appears in sources of the ancient and medieval periods. The first is Theodoret of Cyrrhus, who designates Hippolytus a father of ‘the east’. Claims of eastern provenance are geographically diverse, emanating from Rome, Cyrrhus (Antioch), and Armenia. They affix the origins of texts in Arabia, Bostra, Aden, and Antioch. Eastern theories do not approach critical fruition until the seventeenth century. As noted, the earliest hint of an eastern author is in Eusebius. The Eusebian reference does not provide a clear indication of the identity and permanent locality of Hippolytus, the associate of Dionysius of Alexandria. Other ancient and medieval sources of claims of eastern provenance include Gelasius of Rome and Armenian manuscripts referring to Bostra as a provenance. Modern studies of Hippolytus range from a proposed Arabian provenance, especially Aden, the ancient port city in southern Arabia, to Pierre Nautin's thesis.Less

A Question of Character: The “Labor of Composition” as “Preventative Medicine” in Theodoret of Cyrrhus’s Religious History

Rebecca Krawiec

in The Garb of Being: Embodiment and the Pursuit of Holiness in Late Ancient Christianity

The similarity of the accounts of monk’s lives, and the function of this homogeneity, in Theodoret of Cyrrus’s Religious History has been the focus of much scholarship on this work. This chapter ... More

The similarity of the accounts of monk’s lives, and the function of this homogeneity, in Theodoret of Cyrrus’s Religious History has been the focus of much scholarship on this work. This chapter applies the concept of character from literary theory to these accounts to add an analysis of how, even within the generic elements of the texts, each monk also has a particular individuality. Since Theodoret presents his text as “preventive medicine,” these monks can also be compared to figures in Galen’s medical case studies, such that monasticism provides a means to a new health. Finally, paying attention to the role of character draws attention to other non-human characters, animals and even God, that Theodoret uses to teach monasticism. Altogether, the History shows the many ways to attain holiness even as all monks share the same human soul.Less

Epilogue: The Council of Chalcedon and the Antiochene Legacy

Adam M. Schor

in Theodoret's People: Social Networks and Religious Conflict in Late Roman Syria

This chapter discusses the legacy of doctrinal and Christological conflict during and after the Council of Chalcedon. It suggests that while the Council of Chalcedon was not a complete triumph for ... More

This chapter discusses the legacy of doctrinal and Christological conflict during and after the Council of Chalcedon. It suggests that while the Council of Chalcedon was not a complete triumph for Theodoret of Cyrrhus' network, it helped reshape some parts of the Antiochene socio-doctrinal dynamic. It argues that the Christological dispute was not just a mismatch of doctrines nor a contest for authority but was a crucial episode in the formation of partisan religious community.Less

Introduction

Adam M. Schor

in Theodoret's People: Social Networks and Religious Conflict in Late Roman Syria

This book seeks to comprehend the Christological dispute by investigating the social dynamics that fostered alliance and conflict, focusing on the dyophysites who assembled around Theodoret of ... More

This book seeks to comprehend the Christological dispute by investigating the social dynamics that fostered alliance and conflict, focusing on the dyophysites who assembled around Theodoret of Cyrrhus. It examines Theodoret's relational patterns, his network and its fall, and the patronage roles and relations during the fifth century. It also explores the social dynamics of Theodoret's Christology and his patronage relations across late Roman society.Less

Traces of a Network: Friendship, Doctrine, and Clerical Communication, 423–451

Adam M. Schor

in Theodoret's People: Social Networks and Religious Conflict in Late Roman Syria

This chapter investigates the interactions between Theodoret of Cyrrhus and his doctrinal allies during the period from 423 to 451 B.C. It describes the ways in which clerics signalled social ... More

This chapter investigates the interactions between Theodoret of Cyrrhus and his doctrinal allies during the period from 423 to 451 B.C. It describes the ways in which clerics signalled social attachments through words and nonverbal practices and suggests that Theodoret and his clerical associates shared a consistent set of social cues. It argues that these key set of phrases and gestures can be considered as idioms of an Antiochene network.Less

Shape of a Network: Antiochene Relational Patterns

Adam M. Schor

in Theodoret's People: Social Networks and Religious Conflict in Late Roman Syria

This chapter traces the Antiochene coalition in which Andreas of Samosata and Theodoret of Cyrrhus were embedded. It maps Theodoret's doctrinal network and the maps reveal the demographics of the ... More

This chapter traces the Antiochene coalition in which Andreas of Samosata and Theodoret of Cyrrhus were embedded. It maps Theodoret's doctrinal network and the maps reveal the demographics of the network and its modular and scale-free form. The findings indicate that though mere statistics and comparisons cannot tell us how this network developed, they do suggest ways to interpret the patterns we see in a diachronic reading of the sources.Less

Roots of a Network: Theodoret on the Antiochene Clerical Heritage

Adam M. Schor

in Theodoret's People: Social Networks and Religious Conflict in Late Roman Syria

This chapter explores the origins of the Antiochene network by analyzing the heritage that Theodoret of Cyrrhus depicted in works of history. It traces Theodoret's account of his heroic predecessors ... More

This chapter explores the origins of the Antiochene network by analyzing the heritage that Theodoret of Cyrrhus depicted in works of history. It traces Theodoret's account of his heroic predecessors and compares it to other historical sources. The analysis reveals that Theodoret's writings celebrate his Nicene clerical forebears and argues that his narrative must be placed in historiographical context. It explains that his depictions made sense of developments in Antiochene doctrine and in Syrian clerical-ascetic relations.Less

Ephesus and After: Leadership, Doctrinal Crisis, and the Transformation of the Antiochene Network

Adam M. Schor

in Theodoret's People: Social Networks and Religious Conflict in Late Roman Syria

This chapter addresses the social roots and effects of doctrinal conflict during the Nestorian controversy. It examines the dispute over Nestorius from the perspective of the Antiochene network that ... More

This chapter addresses the social roots and effects of doctrinal conflict during the Nestorian controversy. It examines the dispute over Nestorius from the perspective of the Antiochene network that supported and then abandoned him and describes the social actions of Antiochene clerics as they fractured and reassembled their network. It suggests that Theodoret of Cyrrhus' successful mediation in this controversy can be credited to a well-timed rationale for reforming his community.Less