Pope Theodosius I of Alexandria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Theodosius I of Alexandria |
|
|---|---|
| Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch of the See of St. Mark | |
| Papacy began | 535 |
| Papacy ended | 22 June 566 |
| Predecessor | Timothy III |
| Successor | Paul/Peter IV |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Egypt |
| Died | 22 June 566 Egypt |
| Buried | Saint Mark's Church |
| Nationality | Egyptian |
| Denomination | Coptic Orthodox Christian |
| Residence | Saint Mark's Church |
| Sainthood | |
| Feast day | 22 June (28 Paoni in the Coptic calendar) |
Pope Theodosius I of Alexandria (who died on June 5, 566) was a very important Christian leader. He was the last Patriarch of Alexandria recognized by two major groups of Christians: the Coptic Orthodox Christians and the Chalcedonian Melchites.
Who Was Pope Theodosius I?
Pope Theodosius I became the leader of the Church in Alexandria in the year 535 AD. He took over after Pope Timothy III. Powerful people, like Empress Theodora and an Arab king named Al-Harith ibn Jabalah al-Ghassani, helped him gain recognition.
A Time of Disagreement
At first, Emperor Justinian I and the Eastern Orthodox Church recognized Theodosius. However, there was a big disagreement about his beliefs. Theodosius followed a specific Christian teaching called Miaphysitism. This teaching was different from what the Eastern Orthodox Church believed.
Because of these differences, Emperor Justinian I exiled Theodosius in 536 AD. This means he was forced to leave his position. Another leader, named Paul, was then chosen to be the Patriarch in his place.
The Church Divides
Even though Theodosius was exiled, the Coptic Christians continued to see him as their true leader. This disagreement led to a major split between the Coptic Church and the Melchite Church. This split has lasted until today.
His Later Years
Pope Theodosius spent the last 28 years of his life in prison in Upper Egypt. He died on June 5, 566. After his death, the Coptic Church chose Peter IV as their next leader.
Theodosius is remembered and honored in the Coptic Church. His feast day, which is a special day to celebrate him, is on June 5. This day is known as the 28th day of Ba'unah in the Coptic calendar.
