Monophysites

Monophysitism is a Christological doctrine that was prominent in certain parts of the Eastern Roman Empire during the 5th and 6th centuries. The term "Monophysite" comes from the Greek words monos, meaning "one," and physis, meaning "nature." Adherents of this view, who are sometimes referred to as Miaphysites to distinguish them from more extreme interpretations, believe that Jesus Christ has only one nature, which is divine. This contrasts with the Chalcedonian definition, which states that Christ has two natures, divine and human, united in one person without confusion or separation.

The doctrine emerged as a response to Nestorianism, which was condemned at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. However, the theological debates continued, particularly surrounding the nature of Christ. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD formulated a definition of Christology that affirmed Christ's two natures, divine and human, existing inseparably in one hypostasis (person). This definition was accepted by the majority of the Church, but it was rejected by many in Egypt, Syria, and Armenia.

Those who rejected the Council of Chalcedon were often labeled as Monophysites by their opponents. The controversy had significant political and social repercussions, contributing to divisions within the Eastern Roman Empire and influencing the development of distinct Oriental Orthodox churches. Today, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, such as the Coptic, Armenian, Syriac, and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches, are often described as having descended from this tradition, though they themselves prefer the term Miaphysitism, emphasizing the unity of Christ's divine and human natures without abolishing either.