Alexander of Hierapolis

Alexander of Hierapolis (* in the fourth century; † in the fifth century in Egypt) was Bishop of Hierapolis Bambyce in the Roman province of Syria .

life and work

Alexander was Bishop of Hierapolis and Metropolitan of the Syria Euphratensis Province . He appeared on and after the first council of Ephesus in 431 (Third Ecumenical Council) as a fierce opponent of Cyril of Alexandria and as the leader of the left wing of the Antiochene School (see also Nestorius ). He signed the protest against the first session of the council, declared himself against the symbol of union, tried to thwart the understanding between Cyril and the Antioches if possible and persisted in the opposition. He stayed with it even after the more moderate followers of Nestorius, especially Theodoret , had recognized the Orthodoxy of Cyril at the Synod of Zeugma, in which Alexander did not participate . After repeated admonitions, Alexander was deposed and banished to Famothis in Egypt, where he eventually died.

His life was described in the letters of his friend and admirer Theodoret. He portrayed him as a holy and pious man who was loved by the people, but who remained undisturbed on the line of what he believed to be the right faith. When all measures against him were unsuccessful, he was exiled to Egypt by imperial decree.

Web links

• Thomas Shahan:  Alexander of Hierapolis (Euphratensis) . In: Catholic Encyclopedia , Volume 1, Robert Appleton Company, New York 1907.