Letter 177

From: Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrrhus To: Andreas, Bishop of Samosata Date: ~433 AD Context: Theodoret reports that Cyril has sent a new letter anathematizing Arius, Eunomius, and Apollinaris and condemning the confusion of natures -- effectively conceding the Eastern position. But Cyril also demands subscription to the condemnation of Nestorius, which Theodoret warns would be equivalent to anathematizing true religion. To Andreas, Bishop of Samosata, The illustrious Aristolaus has sent a magistrianus [imperial courier] from Egypt with a letter from Cyril in which he anathematizes Arius, Eunomius, and Apollinaris, and all who claim that Christ's Godhead is capable of suffering and who teach the confusion and blending of the two natures. At this we rejoice, though he did withhold his assent from our own statement. He further requires us to subscribe to the condemnation already passed, and to anathematize the teaching of the holy bishop Nestorius. Your holiness well knows that if anyone anathematizes, without qualification, the teaching of that most holy and venerable bishop, it is just the same as though he were anathematizing true religion itself. If we are compelled, then, we must anathematize those who call Christ a mere man, or who divide our one Lord Jesus Christ into two sons and deny His divinity -- and so on. [That is, we can condemn specific errors without condemning Nestorius himself.]

Letter 177 Please help support the mission of New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download. Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more — all for only $19.99... Letter to Andreas, Bishop of Samosata. The illustrious Aristolaus has sent Magisterianus from Egypt with a letter of Cyril in which he anathematizes Arius, Eunomius, Apollinarius and all who assert Christ's Godhead to be passible and maintain the confusion and commixture of the two natures. Hereat we rejoice, although he did withhold his consent from our statement. He requires further subscription to the condemnation which has been passed, and that the doctrine of the holy bishop Nestorius be anathematized. Your holiness well knows that if any one anathematizes, without distinction, the doctrine of that most holy and venerable bishop, it is just the same as though he seemed to anathematize true religion. We must then if we are compelled anathematize those who call Christ mere man, or who divide our one Lord Jesus Christ into two sons and deny His divinity, etc.