‹ The Bishops
Apostolic & Patristic · Saint
St Cyril of Jerusalem
Bishop of Jerusalem
Church FatherDoctor of the ChurchConfessor
c. 315 – 386
c. 343
Ordained
c. 350
Consecrated Bishop
Jerusalem
Diocese
Israel
Country
The Life
St Cyril was Bishop of Jerusalem during the turbulent mid-fourth century, becoming bishop around 350. He was repeatedly driven from his see during the Arian controversy, suffering three exiles, but stood with Nicene orthodoxy.
He is best known for his 'Catechetical Lectures', a uniquely rich source for early Christian doctrine, liturgy, and the practice of the Jerusalem Church. He attended the First Council of Constantinople in 381.
Notable Actions
- Delivered the 'Catechetical Lectures' (23 catecheses) on baptismal and Eucharistic doctrine
- Gave early descriptions of the Holy Week and Eucharistic liturgies of Jerusalem
- Suffered three exiles amid Arian and political conflicts
- Attended the First Council of Constantinople (381)
- Declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1883
Since He Himself has declared and said of the Bread, 'This is My Body,' who shall dare to doubt any longer?
Catechetical Lecture 22.1Portrait: AnonymousUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons