Theodore of Cyrus

From Maronite History

His Life

Born in Antioch, in 393, to a wealthy Christian family. Theodore was the first son after a thirteen years marriage, hence his name. (Theodore = The gift from God) He got educated in Antioch. At a young age, he distributed his wealth and retired to a monastery at Nakira, near Afamia (in Syria today), far from Antioche. After spending seven years in the monastery (416 - 423), he went to Korosh where he was appointed Archbishop.

It was said about him that he was a great Syrian and Antiochien, not only in his language, but also in his beliefs.

He was a prolific writer of theology. We lost many of his work. His legacy is considered among the most important writings in the 4th and 5th centuries.

Theodore participated in the council of Ephesus in 431. He has been expelled from the second council of Ephesus after being accused of Nestorian heresy. He was later declared innocent, therefore not heretic, in the council of Chalcedony in 451 by an intervention of Leon the Great.

He died during the rule of Emperor Leon the 1st (457 - 474). The exact year of his death is believed to be before 459, the year of death of Saint Simon the Stylite. Theodore knew Saint Simon and had a deep respect for him. If Simon died before Theodore, we would have seen it in Theodore’s writings.