Patron Saint of Alexandria, Egypt
Cyril was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 376, and was the nephew of Theophilus, the patriarch of the city.
When his uncle died in 412, Cyril took his position on the see of Alexandria. He soon began a series of attacks against the Novatians, a religion started by the antipope Novatian. He closed their churches and drove Jews from the city.
In 428, Cyril discovered that the priest/monk Nestorius, the Archbishop of Alexandria, was preaching heretical theology. Cyril sent the heretic a mild expostulation, but to no avail. Both parties then appealed to Pope St. Clementine, and Cyril was appointed to depose Nestorius.
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