THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. This is what the law subtly reveals regarding aquatic and flying creatures. As if to broaden our understanding through examples, it includes various birds, specifying: ‘But of birds, abhor these...: the eagle, the vulture and the sea eagle, the kite and the falcon with its kind, every raven with its kind, the ostrich, the owl, the gull and the hawk with its kind, the owl, the fisher and the ibis, the swan, the pelican and the vulture, the heron, the zui with its kind, the hoopoe and the dipper.
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All reptiles, winged creatures, and those that walk on four legs are deemed unclean for us; of all reptiles, winged creatures, and four-legged animals, only those that have shins higher than their feet may be eaten, enabling them to leap on the ground with them; of these, you may consume: the locust with its kind, the solam with its kind, the hargol with its kind, and the hagab with its kind. Every other reptile, winged and having four feet, is unclean to you: of them, you shall be unclean: whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until evening’ (Lev. 11:13-24). Do you grasp the significance of this teaching? Palladius. Not entirely. Cyril. Or do you fail to recognize that the inherent qualities of each animal mentioned reflect various behaviors and character traits? Palladius. How can that be? Cyril. Would you like us to explore each one in detail, making specific distinctions? Palladius. Absolutely. Cyril. The law thus prohibits the consumption of the eagle, the vulture, the sea eagle, and the kite: they soar high, favor lofty places, and look down upon what is beneath them; it is said, "the chicks... the chicks of the soup," soar high (Job 5:7); such creatures can be seen as embodying pride and arrogance, harboring a lofty mindset that scorns humility and moderation, and they do not favor companionship with the lowly (Romans 12:16).