By CNA Staff
CNA Staff, Mar 18, 2025 / 04:00 am
March 18 marks the feast day of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, a revered fourth-century bishop and doctor of the Church known for his profound writings on the Christian faith.
St. Cyril’s extensive knowledge of the Bible and his unwavering dedication amidst challenges and opposition have left a lasting impact on the Church. He is commemorated by Eastern Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians on May 7, in addition to his feast day in March.
Believed to have been born in Jerusalem around 315 AD, Cyril experienced the legalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire, which led to theological disputes and ecclesiastical controversies that he actively engaged in.
After receiving a comprehensive education in Greek literature and the Scriptures, Cyril was ordained a priest by Bishop Maximus and later became the bishop of Jerusalem in 348.
His renowned series of lectures to new converts of the Church, delivered in the early 4th century, have endured and continue to be studied for their holistic approach to Christian instruction.
Pope Benedict XVI, in a 2007 address, commended St. Cyril for his comprehensive catechetical methods that integrated body, soul, and spirit, emphasizing their relevance in modern Christian education.
In 351, a significant event occurred over Jerusalem, where a luminous cross-shaped light appeared in the sky, interpreted by many as a symbol of the Church’s victory over heresy.
