Saint Cyril of Jerusalem was born in the early part of the fourth
century. While nothing is known about his early life, it is possible
that his family lived in Caesarea. He became a cleric in the Church
of Jerusalem and was raised to the deaconate by Macarius of Jerusalem.
About the year 342 he was ordained priest by Bishop Maximus, famous
as a confessor in the persecution of Diocletian.
Bishop Maximus died in 348 and about two years later was succeeded
by our Saint. St. Cyril never wavered in his adherence to the orthodox
and Catholic faith, for which, as the second ecumenical council observed,
he suffered several times as a confessor. It appears that he played
a leading role in the First Council of Constantinople in the year
381.
St. Cyril’s fame will rest on his great Lenten, pre-baptismal
Catechesis, which is a plain, noble eloquent and highly Biblical exposition
of the Creed. Illustrious for his defense of the Catholic Faith and
honored as a Doctor of the universal Church, St. Cyril died in Jerusalem
about the year 387. His feast is celebrated on March 18th.
