Third Ecumenical CouncilDocumented
Third Ecumenical Council (Ephesus)
Γ΄ Οἰκουμενικὴ Σύνοδος
- Date
- 431
- Location
- Ephesus
Condemned the teaching of Nestorius on the person of Christ and affirmed the title Theotokos for the Virgin Mary.
Historical background
- Nestorius, archbishop of Constantinople, objected to the title Theotokos (“God bearer”) and was understood to divide the one Christ into two subjects. St Cyril of Alexandria led the opposition.
Principal dispute
- Whether Mary may be called Theotokos, and whether the union in Christ is of one person or a conjunction of two.
Dogmatic result
- Nestorius was condemned and deposed; the title Theotokos was upheld as expressing the single subject of the incarnate Word.
Heresies and persons condemned
- Nestorius, dividing the one Christ and refusing the title Theotokos.
- Caelestius and the Pelagian error (canons 1 and 4).
Key canons
- Canon 1
On clergy who side with the “Council of apostasy” of Nestorius and Celestius, used in later debate on whether deposition is automatic or synodical.
- Canon 7
Forbids composing or imposing any creed other than that of Nicaea.
Later reception
- Received by the whole Church as the Third Ecumenical Council.
Related saints
Related cases
Bibliography
- Acta Conciliorum Oecumenicorum (ACO), ed. E. Schwartz, tom. 1.
- Migne, Patrologia Graeca 77 (Cyril of Alexandria).