Saint Cyril (c. 376–444) became Patriarch of Alexandria in 412 and led that Church for over thirty years. He presided at the Council of Ephesus in 431, which defended the title of Mary as Theotokos, Mother of God, against the teaching of Nestorius. A prolific writer on Scripture and doctrine, he is honored as a Doctor of the Church.
Cyril shows the courage to defend the truth of who Christ is, even amid fierce controversy and personal cost. His clarity about the Incarnation reminds us that faithfulness to sound doctrine is an act of love for Christ and his Church.
O God, who made Saint Cyril of Alexandria an invincible champion of the divine motherhood of Mary, grant that we who believe she is truly the Mother of God may be saved through the Incarnation of Christ your Son. Amen.