Christology in Coptic and Byzantine liturgical texts

Abstract

Due to the complex interplay of political, philosophical, and linguistic factors contemporaneous with the Council of Chalcedon, scholarly efforts to produce studies free of historical and political disputes and focused solely on Christology have been limited. This thesis offers a comprehensive analysis of Christological theology within the liturgical traditions of both the Coptic and Byzantine Orthodox Churches. The study examines extensive portions of liturgical texts from these rites, including the Coptic Theotokias, fractions, confessions, the Akathistos Hymn, Resurrection Apolytikia, and the Eucharistic prayers by St. Basil, St. Gregory, and St. John Chrysostom.

The Christology of key Church Fathers, such as Cyril of Alexandria, Severus of Antioch, John of Damascus, and Severus ibn al-Muqaffaʿ, has been analysed for its significant influence on doctrinal development and liturgical formulations within both traditions.

In the Byzantine liturgical tradition analysed here, there’s no evidence of doctrinal error about Christ’s unity. Mary is always called the Theotokos, and the crucified Christ is always identified as the incarnate Word of God. The Eucharist is revered as Christ’s life-giving body, and each liturgical prayer affirms his unity.

Similarly, in Coptic liturgical texts, there’s no indication of Christ’s humanity or divinity being diminished, nor any confusion between the divine and human natures. Christ’s humanity is vividly depicted throughout his earthly life. His perfect human and
divine natures are consistently articulated using precise theological terminology.

Date of Award	2 Jul 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of St Andrews
Supervisor	William Hyland (Supervisor) & Oliver B. Langworthy (Supervisor)