Description

St. Athanasius the Great (c. AD 296–373) and St. Cyril of Alexandria (c. AD 376–444) are honoured together as the Holy Hierarchs and Archbishops of Alexandria (Οἱ Ἅγιοι Ἱεράρχαι καὶ Ἀρχιεπίσκοποι Ἀλεξανδρείας). Athanasius defended the full divinity of the Son against Arianism and upheld the Nicene confession that Christ is consubstantial with the Father. Cyril later defended the Hypostatic Union and the title Theotokos at the Council of Ephesus 431.

Although they lived in different generations, the Church joins them because both faithfully defended the mystery of the Incarnation against teachings that would diminish either Christ’s divinity or the reality of His humanity. The icon shows them side by side in episcopal vestments, holding Gospel books.

Icon Source & Historical Details

Location: -

Iconographer: -

Date: -

Tradition: Byzantine

(If you believe any of the details above to be inaccurate, let us know through the contact form.)