Syriac Miaphysite Christology

Christ is confessed as the incarnate Word in full unity of divinity and humanity.

54%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: The church maintains the classical Miaphysite language of Eastern Orthodoxy.

How the tradition understands it: The unity of the incarnate Christ is emphasized without denying his full humanity and full divinity. The Syriac tradition insists that its position should not be confused with simplified forms of Monophysitism.

Basis and context: John 1, Philippians 2, Cyril of Alexandria, and Severus of Antioch are among the most important references.

Debates and variations: Differences with Chalcedonian traditions are discussed in part as divergences of language, conciliar reception, and ecclesiastical history.

Supportive

Cyril of Alexandria, One Incarnate Nature of the Word

syriac-orthodox-church,cyril-of-alexandria,christology,chalcedon

A Cyrilline formula decisive for the non-Chalcedonian tradition.

Reference: Christological formulas of Cyril of Alexandria on the one incarnate nature of the Word of God.
Content: The material expresses the unity of the incarnate Christ in language received with particular force by the Oriental Orthodox churches.
Use in debate: It is a primary source for miaphysite Christology and for the non-reception of Chalcedon.

Severus of Antioch, Christological Letters and Homilies

syriac-orthodox-church,severus-of-antioch,christology,miaphysitism

Severus is one of the most important theologians of Syriac Orthodox Christology.

Reference: Christological letters and homilies of Severus of Antioch.
Content: These texts defend the unity of the incarnate Christ in miaphysite language and deeply shaped the theology of the church.
Use in debate: They are central to Syriac Orthodox Christological formulation.

Contrary

Definition of Chalcedon

syriac-orthodox-church,chalcedon,against,christology

A central text of the Chalcedonian churches, not received by the Syriac Orthodox tradition.

Reference: Council of Chalcedon, definition of faith of 451.
Content: The text formulates Christ in two natures in language received by Chalcedonian traditions.
Use in debate: It is the principal source of historical tension with the Syriac Orthodox tradition.

Neutral

Modern Christological Statements between Syriac Orthodox and Catholics

syriac-orthodox-church,ecumenism,christology,dialogue

Modern dialogues recognized relevant Christological convergences.

Reference: Modern joint statements between the Syriac Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.
Content: The texts recognize important convergences on the faith in Christ despite prolonged historical divisions.
Use in debate: It is a useful source for showing contemporary rereadings of ancient controversies.