Nestorianism

Nestorianism is the belief that Christ consisted of two separate persons, one human and one divine. Its name comes from its leading proponent, Nestorius, who was Patriarch of Constantinople. Nestorianism was rejected as heretical by the Council of Chalcedon in AD 451, which held that Christ consisted of only one person with two natures, one human and one divine.

This belief survived after the banishment of Nestorius, and despite efforts by Cyril of Alexandria to remove his supporters and followers from power. Ibas[?], bishop of Edessa[?] (435 - 457), promoted Nestorian Christianity by founding a school and a patriarchal see. Nestorianism was also the first Christian tradition to reach China (in 635), and its relics can still be seen in Chinese cities such as Xian.

Nestorian churches exist today within Oriental Orthodoxy.

See also: Christology