Cyril of Jerusalem
Christian theologian, bishop, and saint (c. 313 – 386)
Feast: 18 March (current Roman calendar, optional memorial) · not in the 1962 Missal
Who they were
Cyril was probably born in Jerusalem around 315, just as Christianity came out of hiding, and received the faith from his parents. Ordained priest at about thirty, he devoted himself to preparing catechumens for baptism; his 24 Catecheses, clear and simple in their language, date from these years. Around 348 he became bishop of Jerusalem.
A peacemaker, he nonetheless fought division, heresy and corruption in a Church torn by the Arian conflict, and was exiled more than once; only under Theodosius could he return to his see for good. In 381 he took part in the Council of Constantinople and signed the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.
The miracles
There was never a formal cause: Cyril has been honoured as a saint since his death. Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1882.
Why that counted as sanctity
Cyril gave his life to forming Christians in the truth, teaching that every Christian is a 'bearer of Christ', and held to the faith through exile and controversy.
Connected on this site
- Cyril of Alexandria Saint“He should not be confused with Cyril of Alexandria.” — Wikipedia
- Vatican News - Saint of the day (Italian): Cyril of Jerusalem
- Wikidata Q298654 — dates, feast day and identifiers (CC0)
- English Wikipedia — Cyril of Jerusalem (CC BY-SA)
Checked against the sources listed on 21 September 2026. Corrections welcome.