Does the Syriac Orthodox Church follow Alexandrian theology?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10
Yes, the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch follows the same theology as the Coptic Orthodox Church. Both churches belong to the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches, which are united in their rejection of the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD).
Specifically, the Syriac Orthodox Church adheres to Alexandrian theology in the following ways:
1. Christology (Miaphysitism)
The Syriac Orthodox Church, like the Coptic Church, follows the Christological formula of St. Cyril of Alexandria: "One Nature of God the Word Incarnate" (Greek: Mia Physis tou Theou Logou Sesarkomene). They confess that the divinity and humanity of Christ are united in one composite nature without mingling, confusion, or alteration.
2. Common Fathers
While the Syriac Church has its own great luminaries—such as St. Ephrem the Syrian and St. Jacob of Sarug—it holds the Alexandrian Fathers in the highest regard. The writings of St. Athanasius the Apostolic and St. Cyril of Alexandria are foundational to Syriac dogmatic theology. Furthermore, the Syriac Church played a vital historical role in defending Alexandrian theology during the 5th and 6th centuries through leaders like St. Severus of Antioch, who is highly venerated in the Coptic Church and mentioned in our Liturgy (the Commemoration of the Saints).
3. Rejection of Chalcedon
Both churches rejected the Council of Chalcedon because they viewed its definition of "two natures after the union" as a departure from the Cyrillian faith and a move toward the Nestorian heresy (which separated Christ into two). Because of this shared stance, the Coptic and Syriac churches have remained in full communion for over 1,500 years.
4. Liturgical and Ascetic Commonalities
While the Syriac Church uses the West Syrian Rite (the Liturgy of St. James) and the Coptic Church uses the Alexandrian Rite, the underlying theology regarding the Sacraments (Mysteries), the intercession of the Theotokos, and the importance of monasticism and asceticism is identical.
While they have distinct linguistic (Syriac vs. Coptic/Arabic) and liturgical heritages, the Syriac Orthodox Church is our sister church and is fully Alexandrian in its dogmatic and Christological theology.