Cyril of Alexandria

Cyril of Alexandria (d. 444 A.D) was the Christian Patriarch of Alexandria starting in 412 A.D. until his death over 30 years later. During this time, he wrote extensively on the divinity of Christ and was known as a champion of Orthodoxy. He combated the teachings of Nestorius and was instrumental in having Nestorius removed as the Patriarch of Constantinople during the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D., a decision that was supported by the Emperor.

Some of his writings have survived including two anti-Arian treaties, a reply to the writings of Julian the Apostate (an Emperor of Rome in the 300s who tried to return Rome to paganism) as well as several sermons and works against the teachings of Nestorius..

For his efforts in recapitulating and expounding on the divinity of Christ as well as in expunging idolatry from the city of Alexandria, Cyril was canonized and appointed Doctor of the Church.