HERESY // AD 431

Both men were bishops, respected and cautious with their words. The Arian heresy, resolved only fifty years prior, had shown just how destructive improper definitions could be to the faith, especially regarding the Person of Christ. Jesus was certainly both God and man- on this the two men were in agreement- but the relationship of the divine and human natures to the Person Jesus Christ needed clarification.

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Nestorius, Bishop of Constantinople, had determined that precise language was key, dividing Christ's actions into three categories of nature: Eternal Logos, Christ of God and the Man Jesus- His natures were distinct and divided in His Person. For Nestorius, it was Eternal Logos who set the foundations of the earth, but the Man Jesus who suffered on the cross. His rival Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, scandalized Nestorius by drawing these polarities together, often blatantly reversing the Nestorian formula with sets of opposites and juxtapositions to reveal the mystery of the incarnation: 

"God wept" 

"the Man Jesus rose from the grave"

"The Immortal suffered death." 

Cyril's retaliation in one stroke accomplished both an overwhelming defense against the rising heresy and entrenched the mystery of the incarnation in its ultimate crescendo: "One of the Trinity suffered in the flesh."

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Just as light is contrasted by darkness, orthodoxy is contrasted by heresy. Like the removal of dross in the refining of gold, the quelling of heresy leads to the deepening of orthodox faith; for defenses to be written, councils to be had and doctrines to be solidified. Orthodoxy can only be understood as a tradition in movement, prevailing with truth wherever the lie exists and like the mustard seed, it remains unchanging in essence but forever expands the breadth, length, height and depth of God's love on earth. The whole scope of human history becomes the canvas on which light overcomes darkness and it is the will of God that all things- even heresy by way of rallying opposition from the faithful- be used to extend light over shadow so that Orthodoxy may triumph in every place.

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(Image quote from Akathist of the Nativity)