PROTERIUS OF ALEXANDRIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Proterius of Alexandria (died AD 457) was a prominent bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the fifth century. He is particularly remembered for his tenure as the 11th Patriarch of Alexandria, a role he held from AD 451 until his assassination six years later.
Proterius played a significant role in the theological disputes of his time, specifically concerning the nature of Christ. He vehemently opposed the Monophysite doctrine that espoused the belief in the singular divine nature of Jesus Christ, rejecting the idea that Christ had a human nature. This placed him in direct conflict with the influential Egyptian monk Dioscorus, who supported the Monophysite perspective. Proterius attended the Council of Chalcedon in AD 451, where he fiercely debated Dioscorus, resulting in his excommunication.
Throughout his patriarchate, Proterius worked to restore what he perceived as true Christian doctrine in Alexandria, supporting the Chalcedonian position that Christ had two distinct natures: human and divine. His efforts faced strong opposition from the Monophysite faction, ultimately leading to his assassination by a mob of Monophysite supporters. Despite his untimely death, Proterius left a significant legacy in the Church, as he played a vital role in defining orthodox Christological beliefs during a period of intense theological upheaval.
