St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Cyril, bishop of Jerusalem and doctor of ecclesiastical law.
| March 18, non-binding commemoration | |
| Position: | bishop and doctor of the church |
| Death: | but 386 |
CURRICULUM VITAE
He spent his youth in solitude, practicing virtues and studying. After his ordination as a priest, he was entrusted with the teaching of catechumens. In 348, he succeeded Maximus, bishop of Jerusalem. In times of need, he helped the poor people in every way possible. He was drawn into a dispute with the Arians and was exiled several times, where he spent about 11 years. The catechesis he conducted, in which he explained the teachings of the faith, the Holy Scriptures, and tradition to the faithful, serves as evidence of his pastoral zeal. In his writings, he discusses the first three sacraments in particular in detail.
CV FOR MEDITATION
CATECHESIS OF DAILY LIFE
He was born around 314. In his youth, he developed an interest in monastic life, the study of the Bible, and early Christian writers. At about 20 years of age, he became a deacon, and 10 years later, in 344, a priest. At that time, the teachings of Arius, denying the Divinity of Christ, had already been condemned (at the Council of 325), but theological struggles were still taking place in the Middle East. Some theological expressions were not entirely clear, and at times a compromise formulation was sought to reduce tension. Cyril of Jerusalem was also interested in reducing tension. He perhaps participated in the effort to achieve a conciliatory stance, but as far as doctrine was concerned, he always firmly professed the Divinity of Christ.
In about 348 or the following year, after the death of the Jerusalem bishop Maximus, he took his place. In the episcopal see of Jerusalem, he was a very zealous spiritual shepherd. This did not please the metropolitan of Caesarea, Acacius, who unjustifiably accused him of doctrinal deviations and then of selling church property. Cyril of Jerusalem, in a time of dire need, sold expensive church utensils to alleviate the misery of the poor people. Acacius achieved that Cyril was twice expelled from Jerusalem, in the years 357 and 360. He spent most of his exile in Tarsus in Asia Minor, where he worked successfully.
He returned from exile in 361, worked in Jerusalem for six years, and then had to go into exile for a third time. He remained there until the death of the Arian emperor Valens in 378. Exile did not diminish his love, which he radiated. He blessed, taught, and helped the poor, the sick, and the abandoned. For the last eight years of his life, he administered his bishopric undisturbed. In 381, however, he participated in the Church Council in Constantinople. Among other things, the council investigated and declared the slanders against Cyril unfounded. For instance, he was accused of duplicity and of avoiding expressions that were the subject of theological disputes and caused confusion in matters of faith. Ultimately, it emerged that he was a staunch advocate of orthodox doctrine.
Cyril’s importance lies in his catechetical elaboration of Christian teachings. Twenty-four of his written catecheses have survived, nineteen of which were intended for catechumens. He explained, in particular, the sacraments of penance and baptism, and further discussed the profession of faith. The last five catechisms for the newly baptised covered confirmation and the Eucharist. In his writing, he relied on Holy Scripture and apostolic tradition. His teachings focused on everyday life. He practiced what he preached.
Perhaps that is why Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1883.
RESOLUTION, PRAYER
