March 18
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Bishop and Doctor of the Church
(c. 315 – 386)
“After all, He saved the thief on the holy hill of Golgotha because of one hour’s faith, will He not save you too, since you have believed?”
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above to Buy it!
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Cyril was born around 315 at or near the city of Jerusalem, Israel. He was apparently well-read in both the writings of the early Christian theologians and the Greek philosophers.
Ordained Deacon
Cyril was ordained deacon, in 335, by Bishop Makarios, and priest, in 345, by Bishop and Saint Maximus. Cyril taught catechumens for several years and around 349 succeeded Maximus as Bishop of Jerusalem. His “Mystagogic Catecheses” delivered during Lent in 347 gave a clear picture of the instruction given to those preparing for baptism.
Accused, Expelled, and Recalled
Initially, he was supported by the Arian bishop, Acacius of Caesarea, who was his metropolitan. However, Bishop Acacius of Caesarea brought accusations against Cyril that he sold gifts the emperor had given to the Church to raise funds to feed the poor. So, Acacius, who claimed ecclesiastical jurisdiction over Jerusalem, had an Arian synod condemn Cyril. Acacius had Cyril expelled in 357 for selling church possessions. But, in reality, it was because of his opposition to Arianism in favor of orthodox doctrine. Cyril went to Tarsus, but was recalled by the Council of Seleucia in 359. Although Cyril lived in a time with challenging political climates, he never stopped preaching the gospel.
Expelled and Recalled Again
Cyril was again expelled at Acacius’ instigation with Emperor Constantius and recalled again in 361 by Emperor Julius Apostate. Emperor Valens banished all churchmen recalled during Julius reign including Cyril in 367. Under the orthodox Catholic emperor Theodosius, Cyril was recalled in 379 and attended the Council of Constantinople. It is also worth knowing that Cyril practiced the same forgiveness that he believed the gospel taught people. Although exiled from his church and land many times, Cyril never held a grudge against his antagonists.
“Homosousios” in the Nicene Creed
The Council of Antioch in 379 sent Saint Gregory of Nyssa to Palestine to investigate the charges against Cyril arising from his questioning the “homoousios” in the Nicene Creed. Cyril and Gregory attended the Council of Constantinople in 381 which further condemned Arianism and strengthened orthodox doctrine. Cyril completely accepted the amended Nicene Creed and the term “homoousios”.
Scholar and Author
Cyril was a scriptural scholar and a successful preacher. He was also an author with some of his famous work include the twenty-three catechetical lectures, a book of lectures for the layman. Cyril was a firm opponent of Arianism and his orthodoxy was unquestioned.
His Death
Cyril died in Jerusalem around the age of 73 in 386. He is respected by the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodoxy, Anglican Communion, and Lutheran Church. Cyril was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1882 by Pope Leo XIII.
Born: Around 315 near Jerusalem, Syria Palaestina (Israel)
Died: 386 in Jerusalem, Syria Palaestina (Israel)
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: March 18
Patron Saint: Faithfulness to the Church
Reflection
As Bishop of Jerusalem, Saint Cyril of Jerusalem was entrusted with teaching new Christians the foundations of the faith through careful, patient instruction rooted in Scripture, the sacraments, and lived experience.
Through his Catechetical Lectures, Saint Cyril helped believers understand what they professed, why it mattered, and how it should shape their lives. Even as Bishop, his life was not easy as he endured exile multiple times because of theological disputes. However, he never wavered in his faith or showed any ill-will towards those who wronged him.
Saint Cyril challenges us to grow beyond a surface understanding of belief and to continually allow the Church’s teaching and sacramental life to form our hearts. His life shows us that teaching the faith requires both courage and humility.
How intentional are you about deepening your understanding of the faith? Where might God be inviting you to grow in knowledge so that your belief can be lived more confidently and faithfully?
Prayers
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem,
You were a model teacher of the right doctrine.
May the Holy Spirit fill us with the right words to speak about our faith to those we encounter from family, friends, coworkers and strangers so we may be a model of Jesus in our actions and words.
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – Why do Catholics make the Sign of the Cross before praying?
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 18 March – St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)
Catholic Fire – St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Catholic Ireland – Mar 18 – St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386)
CatholicSaints.Info – Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Editions Magnificant – Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Bishop, Confessor, Doctor (315-386)
Franciscan Media – Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Independent Catholic News – Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Melanie Rigney – Cyril of Jerusalem
My Catholic Life – Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church
Saint for a Minute – Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (c.315-386)
uCatholic – Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Video Link
St. Cyril of Jerusalem – YouTube Video (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – USA)