Figure · 386

Nestorius

Nestorius (c. 386–c. 451), archbishop of Constantinople from 428, whose objection to calling Mary Theotokos led to the Council of Ephesus.

Trained in the Antiochene tradition, he preferred the title “Christ-bearer” and stressed the full humanity of Christ alongside his divinity. Cyril of Alexandria accused him of dividing Christ into two persons. Ephesus deposed him in 431 and he died in exile in Egypt. The Church of the East honours him as a teacher, while denying that it holds the views attributed to him by his opponents.