St. Cyril of Jerusalem

St. Cyril instructed converts in the faith, defended Nicene doctrine through repeated exile, and became one of the great teachers of Christian initiation.

The story

Cyril was born around 315, probably in or near Jerusalem. Little is securely known about his family or early education. He received a strong formation in Scripture and was ordained a priest by Bishop Maximus of Jerusalem. Around 348, Cyril delivered the catechetical instructions for which he is best known. These talks prepared candidates for Baptism and then explained the sacraments to the newly baptized.

The lectures offer an unusually detailed picture of Christian initiation in the fourth century. Cyril taught the Creed, repentance, Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, prayer, and the Christian moral life. He frequently directed his hearers to the holy places of Jerusalem, where the death and Resurrection of Christ were solemnly commemorated. The Mystagogical Catecheses traditionally connected with Cyril explain how the rites signify and communicate God's grace. Scholars continue to discuss whether Cyril himself delivered all five of these final lectures or whether they were completed by his successor, John.

Cyril became Bishop of Jerusalem around 350. His episcopate was troubled by conflict with Acacius, the influential Bishop of Caesarea. Their disagreement involved jurisdiction as well as the theological disputes surrounding Arianism. Cyril was expelled from Jerusalem in 357. Further political and ecclesiastical reversals brought additional exiles, and he spent much of the period from 357 to 378 away from his see. One accusation held that he had disposed of church property during a famine. Ancient evidence indicates that he used resources to relieve the hungry, although opponents interpreted his actions harshly.

Cyril returned permanently to Jerusalem after the accession of Emperor Theodosius I. He participated in the First Council of Constantinople in 381, which reaffirmed and expanded the Nicene profession of faith against Arian and related errors. The council's bishops later testified that Cyril had resisted the Arians and suffered for the orthodox faith. He died in 386. Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1883. His optional memorial in the General Roman Calendar recalls a pastor whose teaching still helps Catholics understand Baptism, the Creed, and the Eucharist.

What Cyril teaches

Faith needs careful formation before and after the reception of the sacraments. St. Cyril teaches that Christian doctrine is not abstract information but a mystery entered through worship, conversion, and grace. CCC 1231 describes the catechumenate as formation in the whole Christian life.

Patronage

catechists, theologians, Jerusalem, Christian formation.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you strengthened St. Cyril to teach the faith clearly and to endure exile for the truth. Through his intercession, deepen our understanding of the Creed and renew our gratitude for Baptism and the Eucharist. Amen.