THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril states that both deceased animals and clean ones are considered impure, and it is mentioned that anyone who touches them becomes defiled. The Scripture states, “And when any cattle dies which you use for food, he that touches its dead body shall be unclean until evening; and he that eats its dead meat shall wash his clothes, and shall be unclean until evening; and he that carries its dead body shall wash his clothes, and shall be unclean until evening” (Lev. 11:39-40). This clearly implies that one should not associate with a person who, despite being called a brother, engages in fornication, licentiousness, idolatry, malice, drunkenness, or is gluttonous; such a person should not even be shared a meal with (1 Cor. 5:11).
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If one among those recognized as upright, who have been cleansed and accepted into fellowship through faith, becomes ensnared by the death that sin brings, he becomes ‘unclean’ and is to be separated, for anyone tainted by dead works invariably contaminates those who keep company with him. However, if someone finds themselves defiled, they can be purified with water by evening; the previous discussion has made this sufficiently clear. It is essential to note that both the one who eats the dead and the one who merely touches them are regarded as unclean by the law, which does not absolve the participator of their impurities nor does it deem the one who approaches them innocent. We should remain vigilant not only to avoid committing the same sins as those who are immoral but also to refrain from associating with them. “Whosoever toucheth pitch shall be defiled,” as the saying goes (Sir. 13:1), and this statement holds true. The law has chosen apt examples to illustrate moral standards, which becomes evident from what follows: “Ye shall not defile your souls with any creeping animal, nor make yourselves unclean by them, that ye may be unclean by them: for I am the Lord your God” (Lev. 11:43-44). What pollution could the death of an animal and touching the deceased bring upon the human soul? What damage can occur from food “in the belly contained and aphedron” that is expelled, as stated by the Saviour (Matt. 15:17)? Palladius responds, "None, I believe; you are thinking correctly."