On March 18, the Catholic Church honors St. Cyril of Jerusalem, a fourth-century bishop and doctor of the Church, whose writings continue to inspire and instruct the faithful. His works, regarded as “masterful expressions of the Christian faith,” remain a critical resource for understanding the Christian life and teachings.
Born around 315 in Jerusalem, Cyril came into a world that had recently witnessed the legalization of Christianity under Emperor Constantine, ending centuries of persecution. While this legalization brought peace, it also sparked internal theological controversies. St. Cyril would become a key figure in defending the true nature of Christ in the midst of these disputes. As noted, “Cyril was most likely born in Jerusalem shortly after the legalization of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.”
A learned man, Cyril was well-versed in both classical Greek literature and the Bible, which served him well in his ministry. Ordained by Bishop Maximus of Jerusalem, Cyril succeeded him as bishop in 348. During his early years as bishop, he delivered a series of lectures to new initiates into the faith. “Twenty-four of the lectures have survived and are studied today,” offering invaluable insight into his catechetical approach.
Pope Benedict XVI praised St. Cyril for his holistic approach to Christian instruction. In a 2007 general audience, the pope described Cyril’s teachings as providing an “integral” form of Christian formation, “involving body, soul, and spirit.” Pope Benedict emphasized that St. Cyril’s work “remains emblematic for the catechetical formation of Christians today.”
Despite his deep faith and dedication to the Church, St. Cyril faced significant opposition. His teachings on the full humanity and divinity of Christ were challenged by the Arian heresy, which denied Christ’s divinity. According to the source, “Unlike many other Eastern bishops and priests of the fourth century, Cyril did not allow his classical learning to lead him away from believing in the full humanity and divinity of Christ.”
In 351, a miraculous event occurred that many interpreted as a sign of the Church’s triumph over heresy. “A large cross-shaped light appeared for several hours in the sky over the city” of Jerusalem, seen by many as a divine affirmation of the Church’s teachings, as well as a forewarning of the suffering Cyril would endure in his role as bishop. “It could also, however, be understood as a sign of the suffering the new bishop would undergo in leading his flock.”
Cyril’s position put him in conflict with his consecrator, Archbishop Acacius of Caesarea, an Arian sympathizer. This strained relationship led to Cyril being unjustly accused of heresy by many bishops. His disputes with Acacius over jurisdiction led to Cyril being exiled from Jerusalem three times over 20 years, including one exile that lasted more than a decade. However, as the Church matured, “the Eastern bishops came to acknowledge Cyril’s orthodoxy and legitimacy as a bishop.”
St. Cyril’s eventual recognition by his peers culminated in his participation in the Second Ecumenical Council of 381, which condemned Arianism and expanded the Nicene Creed to include declarations about the Holy Spirit. His steadfast commitment to the truth and the faith was finally affirmed, as “they confirmed in a letter to the pope in Rome, in which they also expressed their admiration of his pastoral efforts.”
St. Cyril of Jerusalem passed away in 387, leaving behind a legacy of courage and theological clarity. In 1883, Pope Leo XIII honored his enduring influence by naming him a Doctor of the Church. St. Cyril’s life reminds us of the power of faithful teaching, even in the face of misunderstanding and opposition.
Today, we continue to celebrate his contributions to Christian formation and the defense of the faith, drawing strength from his example of unwavering commitment to Christ’s truth.
