THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. The law provides us with profound insights regarding aquatic and avian creatures. Moreover, it expands our understanding by including various flocks of birds, stating: ‘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.
Read more (238 words)
All reptiles, winged animals, walking on four legs, are unclean to us; of all reptiles, winged animals, walking on four legs, those only shall you eat, which have shins higher than their feet, that they may leap on the ground with them; of these you shall eat: 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, that hath four feet, is unclean unto you: of them ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth their corpse shall be unclean until evening’ (Lev. 11:13-24). Do you grasp the meaning of this? Palladius. Not entirely. Cyril. Are you unable to see that the inherent characteristics of each of these animals reflect various attitudes and traits of character, similar to the previously mentioned creatures? Palladius. How is that possible? Cyril. Would you prefer that we examine each one in detail, drawing fine distinctions among them? Palladius. Yes, please do. Cyril. Thus, the law prohibits the consumption of the eagle, the vulture, the sea-eagle, and the kite (owl): these birds soar high, favor lofty places, and look down on what is beneath them; as it is noted, ‘the chicks ... The chicks of the soup,’ it is said, “soar high” (Job 5:7). They embody pride and arrogance, having a lofty spirit that scorns humble and moderate thoughts, and they show little inclination to accompany the meek (Romans 12:16).