Council of Ephesus, 431: Resources Materials
The third ecumenical council, held at Ephesus in AD 431, is often considered to be the first of two highly Christologically-orientated councils (the second being that at Chalcedon in 451). In it, Nestorius was considered and condemned, and considerable attention was paid to the ongoing project of articulating Nicaea in light of current debates.
Direct texts of the council
- The condemnation of Nestorius by the Council, from the Acts of the first session.
- Discussion by the Fathers of Ephesus on the Creed produced at the Council of Nicea, including its proper use and the impossibility of changing the Creed.
- The Council's statement on Messalianism and its relationship to the faith of the Church.
- The Canons of the Council (off-site resource: on the CCEL website)
- The full canons of the Council of Ephesus, with historical notes and exegesis.
Texts associated with the council
- Approved by the council
- Condemned by the council
- Approved by the council, including the 12 Anathemas, also approved.
- Cyril's letter to John, urging him to abandon the heresy of Nestorius and be reunited with the Church and her teachings. Cyril was eventually successful (see Formula of Union, below).
- The council's summary of its main activities and decisions, sent to the bishop of Rome, who was not himself in attendance.
