Javascript Menu by Deluxe-Menu.com
Thursday, March 28, 2024, 9:47PM  
THE SYNAXARION
On January 18, we commemorate our Fathers among the Saints Athanasius and Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria.

These wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics.  Athanasius took part in the First Ecumenical Council when he was still a deacon.  He surpassed everyone there in his zeal to uphold the teaching that Christ is consubstantial (homoousios) with the Father, and not merely a creature, as the Arians proclaimed.  This radiant beacon of Orthodoxy spent most of his life in exile from his See, because of the plotting of his enemies.  He returned to his flock as he was approaching the end of his life.  Like an evening star, he illumined the Orthodox faithful with his words for a little while, and then reposed in 373.  Cyril was the nephew of Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, who educated him from his youth.  He succeeded to his uncle’s position in 412, but was deposed through the intrigues of the Nestorian heretics.  He later resumed his See, however.  Cyril presided at the Third Ecumenical Council in 441, which censured the Nestorian blasphemy against the Most Holy Theotokos.  His wise words demonstrated the error of their false doctrine.  Cyril departed to the Lord in 444.

Through their intercessions, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us, and save us.  Amen.
Share This:



< PreviousNext >
You might also like:

 Powered by Orthodox Web Solutions

Home | Back | Print | Top