The Tall Brothers (also known as the Four Tall Brothers) were four brothers among the Egyptian monks of
Nitria in the fifth century by the names of Ammonius, Dioscorus, Eusebius, and Euthymius. They were referred to as the "Tall Brothers" because they were tall in stature and commanding in appearance.
They were famous for their strict fasting, chastity, and knowledge of the Bible but were controversial for their support of the contested theology of
Origen of Alexandria. Opposed by
Pope Theophilus I of Alexandria
The pope ( la, papa, from el, πάππας, translit=pappas, 'father'), also known as supreme pontiff ( or ), Roman pontiff () or sovereign pontiff, is the bishop of Rome (or historically the patriarch of Rome), head of the worldwide Cathol ...
(the uncle of the future
Saint Cyril of Alexandria), the Tall Brothers fled to Constantinople, where they were received by
Saint John Chrysostom,
Archbishop of Constantinople, whose hospitality was later used to condemn and depose him at the
Synod of the Oak The Synod of the Oak was a provincial synod, held in Constantinople in July of 403, which condemned and deposed John Chrysostom as Patriarch of Constantinople.
This council, organized by his enemies, deposed John Chrysostom, patriarch of Constantin ...
in AD 403.
Dioscorus
Dioscorus, one of the Tall Brothers, was appointed Bishop of
Hermopolis (a city near
Nitria) during the late 4th century and attended the
Council of Constantinople in 394. However, he was later excommunicated due to his alleged Origenist sympathies. Dioscorus died in the early 5th century.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tall Brothers
Egyptian Christian monks
5th-century Christian monks
Sibling quartets
Desert Fathers