Theophilus of Alexandria (+412)

Theophilus of Alexandria was a Christian bishop at Alexandria in the 300s/400s.

Little is known of Theophilus' earlier life, other than that he had a sister.

In 385, Theophilus was elected bishop of Alexandria, which at the time was the fourth most senior bishop in the Christian church. The position he occupied had previously been held by Athanasius 328-373.

During his tenure as bishop, Theophilus appointed his nephew and future successor, Cyril of Alexandria, as deacon.

Theophilus is best known for controversies.

In 391, in the wake of the law passed by Emperor Theodosius, Theophilus embarked on a an anti-pagan campaign, which led to the destruction of the pagan temple/library the Serapeum and a Christian church built in its place.

In 394, Theophilus took part in a peaceful council at Constantinople. However, in 401 there was major fallout in Egypt over the theological teaching of the late Origen, which Theophilus rejected (having earlier espoused). Theophilus orchestrated violent reprisals against those who held the views of Origen. This led to a large contingent of monks fleeing Egypt, including the so-called "Tall Brothers" who took refuge at Constantinople. When the archbishop of Constantinople, John Chrysostom welcomed the Tall Brothers, this provoked Theophilus, and, in 403, Theophilus presided at the "Synod of the Oak" at which John was deposed as archbishop, leading to Chrysostom's first short-lived exile from the city of Constantinople. Theophilus famously quipped, "If Judas is no longer an Apostle, how come John [Chrysostom] is still a bishop?"

Theophilus died in 412, and was succeeded in his role by his nephew, Cyril of Alexandria.

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