π Life Timeline
Unknown
Born in c. 313 AD, Bethlehem
386 AD
Died β c. 386 AD, Jerusalem
Pre-
Canonized β Pre-Tridentine
β Biography
CYRIL of JERUSALEM (St) Bp. Dr. R.M. March 18 c.315-387. Born near Jerusalem, he be- came a priest in 345, and patriarch of the city from 350 till his death. Seventeen years of his patriarchate he spent in exile. His name is forever connected with his work as a catechist: his instructions on Christian doctrine, addressed to the cate- chumens before baptism are gems of theological literature. He was declared Doctor of the Church by Leo XIII. The myth that he ever sided with the Arians is now universally rejected. Cf. Att. β Baud. β Holw.
CYRIL (St) M. R.M. March 20
See Paul, Cyril, etc.
CYRIL (St) M. R.M. March 29 d. c.3862. A deacon of Heliopolis in the Lebanon, who suffered under Julian the Apost
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Catechists, pilgrims, and those preparing for baptism. Archbishop of Jerusalem.
π¬ Words of the Saint
The body of a martyr is not less than the Temple of God.
π Key Facts
Born
c. 313 AD, Bethlehem
Died
c. 386 AD, Jerusalem
Feast Day
Mar 18
Canonized
Pre-Tridentine
π Legacy
Cyril's Catechetical Lectures are the most complete surviving record of early Christian initiation. His descriptions of Jerusalem's holy sites are irreplaceable historical documents. His liturgical reforms shaped the Jerusalem rite.
π Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words β their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
π Catechetical Lectures
On Baptism
Baptism is the door to the Church, the gateway to salvation, the birth of the new man. In baptism, we die to sin and rise to new life. We are buried with Christ and rise with Him. We are cleansed from sin and clothed in righteousness.
β St. Cyril of Jerusalem