18 March: Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church

Defender of the faith against heresy

Cyril was born around 315 in Jerusalem or close to it and was well educated in literature, which became the basis for his ecclesiastical knowledge, centred on the study of the Bible.

He was ordained a priest in 345 by Bishop Maximus, and then Bishop of Jerusalem in 348 by Acacius, the influential Metropolitan of Caesarea in Palestine, immediately after the death or deposition of Bishop Maximus. Acacius, who was a supporter of Arianism, was under the impression that Cyril shared his views, which led Cyril to be accused of having received his episcopal appointment by making compromises with Arianism.

However, Cyril soon entered into conflict with Acacius, not only over doctrine, but also over jurisdictional matters, as he claimed his diocese's independence from the Metropolitan See of Caesarea. Cyril was exiled three times over the course of 20 years. The first time was in 357, after he was deposed by a Synod of Jerusalem. The second time  was in 360 and was ordered by Acacius. His last time in exile in 367, ordered by pro-Arian Emperor Valens, was the longest, lasting 11 years. It was not until 378, after the death of the emperor, that Cyril was able to return permanently to his See and restore unity and peace among the faithful. He died in 387.

He was a tireless preacher, who strived to form Christians who were mature in their faith. He is well-known for his catecheses on Baptism, which he imparted to the newly baptized on Easter night, near Christ's sepulchre at Calvary and on the Mount of Olives. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Leo XIII and is venerated both by Catholics and Orthodox.