THEOD'ORET (Gk. OcoUpnTos, Throdaredos) (c.393-457). A Greek Church historian and biblical scholar. He was born at Antioch, of Christian parents, and studied theology under Theodore of Mopsnestia (q.v.). Theodoret is to be ela-ssed with the Antiochian school, as opposed to the Alexandrian. He was rational rather than mystical in his theology, and historical rather than allegorical in his biblical interpretation. He entered the monastic life at Apauiea, and was loth to leave his monastery when made Bishop of Cyrus in Syria (423). Theodoret achieved great success in winning back to orthodoxy the survivors of the ancient 1\-larcionites (see :MAR oto.:st ), and in suppressing the use of Tatian's Diatcssaron, a compilation of the Gospels which had long been current in Syria. (See TATtAx.) His connection with the cause of Nestorius (q.v.), which began in his youth, continued until near the close of his life. He stoutly opposed Nestorius's condemnation at Ephesus (431), and denounced the famous 'Anathemas' of Cyril, which had been launched against Nestorius shortly before. His own orthodoxy was seriously questioned, and the 'Robber Synod' (449; see EPHESUS, COUNCILS OF) deposed him from his see, only, however, to be reinstated by the Council of Chalcedon, two years later. Under great pres
sure by the Council of Chaleedon. Theodoret was finally prevailed upon to anathematize Nestorius, but he did it with the utmost reluctance, and it is doubtful whether his real opinion was ever changed. About 200 of his letters survive, giv ing valuable information on the events of his age. Most important perhaps of all his works is the Ecclesiastical History, written in continuation of Eusebius, and bringing the narrative down to 428. His Works have been several times edited, e.g. by Schultze (Halle, 1769-74), and Migne, Pa tro 1 og ia- G ra-ca , 1 XXX.-1 XXX iv. An English translation of the History, Dialogues, and se lected Letters, with valuable prolegomena, is given in The Nicene Fathers, edited by Schaff and W'ace, second series, vol. iii. (New York, 1892). Consult: Harnack, History of Dogma, vol. iv. (London, 1898) : Bright, Age of the Fathers (ib., 1903) ; Schubert-Moeller, Lehr ltch der Kirehengcschiehte (Tubingen, 1902).