Leo sends the Tome to Flavian
About this date: This is the date of Letter 28, before the Council of Chalcedon in 451; the letter and its later reception are separate events.
Leo writes to Flavian about Christ's divinity and humanity in response to the Eutychian controversy. The letter later becomes a central document considered at Chalcedon.
Historical context
Correspondence between bishops could become evidence in subsequent councils. The Tome belongs to a developing controversy with several parties, not to a single isolated debate.
Key points
- Leo argues from the incarnation and Gospel narratives.
- The letter distinguishes what belongs to each nature while affirming one Christ.
- Later councils evaluate the document within wider doctrinal disputes.
People
- Leo of Rome
- Flavian of Constantinople
- Eutyches
Sources and further reading
- Letter 28 to Flavian
The Tome in translation, including its date.