The aim of the lecture is to show how the treatment of Theodoret of Cyrrhus at the council of Chalcedon is significant for the Church’s treatment of dissident members or dissident positions in the fifth century.
At the synod of 449 Theodoret has been deposed for alleged Nestorianism. To the Alexandrian party Theodoret was a provocation for his constant support of Nestorius instead of the condemnation of Nestorius 431. At Chalcedon the position of Theodoret was still unclear and there is an interesting discussion whether he should be treated as a full member or as an accused. As the most prominent and skilled exponent of the Antiochene theology and known for his loyalty to Nestorius, Theodoret was in the eye of many of the present bishops a danger for the peace and orthodoxy of the church. It’s due to the intervention of the imperial officials that he was given the chance of rehabilitation. The council nonetheless made its demands for the full acceptance of Theodoret clear: the anathema to Nestorius. This, Theodoret had refused in the years before. But the council was not willing to accept him without the full submission to this demand and Theodoret finally had to give in.
For the council this was a substantial victory because it has managed to enforce its rule in forcing Theodoret to accept and agree in public to the condemnation of Nestorius. The humiliating treatment of Theodoret was an admonition to all bishops to withdraw from independent positions which would endanger the homogeneity of the official doctrine.
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