The heresiarch Nestorius (ca. 389-ca. 453) was patriarch of Constantinople from 428 to 431. He was the "founder" of the Nestorian Church.

Nestorius was probably born about 389 in Germanicia in the province of Cilicia. During his youth he moved to Syrian Antioch, where he received the major portion of his education. He is first seen with historical certainty as a monk in the monastery of Eupreprius near Antioch. He seems to have been a popular and learned preacher--fiercely orthodox--and a writer of considerable theological acumen.

In 428 Nestorius was called to be patriarch of Constantinople. The imperial city had for years been in the throes of theological strife, so it seemed best to the emperor, Theodosius II, to call someone in from outside. Upon his arrival in Constantinople, Nestorius immediately exhibited his zeal by his attacks upon heresy and paganism. He moved about as befits a bishop, little realizing that his role...