 | Three Christological Treatises (The Fathers of the Church, Volume 129) Subjects: Jesus Christ -- Person and offices -- Early works to 1800; Jesus Christ -- History of doctrines -- Early church ca. 30–600; Theology Doctrinal -- History -- Early church ca. 30-600; Nestorius Patriarch of Constantinople active 428; Twenty-nine in all, these letters cover all but three of Cyril's years as a bishop. The first twelve were published in 2009 (Fathers of the Church 118). The present volume completes the set. Festal letters were used in Alexandria primarily to announce the beginning of Lent and the date of Easter. They also served a catechetical purpose, however, allowing the Patriarch an annual opportunity to write pastorally not just about issues facing the entire see, but also about the theological issues of the day. Thus, in these letters we catch a glimpse of Cyril the pastor writing about complex theology in an uncomplicated way. These letters also illuminate other realities of the ancient church in Alexandria, especially the relationship with the Jewish community and the rising influence of asceticism. Daniel King is lecturer in syriac studies and semitic languages at Cardiff University, Wales |
