Cyril of Jerusalem

Archbishop of Jerusalem and great catechist.

St. Cyril was Archbishop of Jerusalem in the fourth century, a gentle and learned shepherd of the Holy City. His famous Catechetical Lectures, delivered to those preparing for baptism, remain one of the treasures of the ancient Church, setting forth the faith and the holy mysteries with clarity and warmth.

For his defense of the Orthodox faith against Arianism he was driven from his throne several times, spending years in exile before being restored. He reposed in peace near the end of the fourth century and is commemorated on March 18.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Cyril of Jerusalem is commemorated on March 18. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on March 31 of the civil calendar.

Who celebrates a name day

People with these names keep their name day on this feast:

Kyrillos, Kyril, Kyrilos, Cyril

Also commemorated on March 18

• Trophimos and Eukarpion

  Martyr, Τρόφιμος και Ευκαρπίων

  Holy Martyrs Trophimos and Eukarpion of Nicomedia, former persecutors.

• Ten Thousand Martyrs

  Martyr, Μύριοι Μάρτυρες

  The Ten Thousand Holy Martyrs, who were put to the sword.

• Ananias the Wonderworker

  Venerable, Ανανίας ο Θαυματουργός

  Venerable Ananias the Wonderworker, who reposed in peace.

• Edward of England

  Martyr, Εδουάρδος της Αγγλίας

  Saint Edward the Martyr, King of England.

• Cyril of Astrakhan

  Venerable, Κύριλλος του Αστραχάν

  Venerable Cyril, abbot of the Trinity monastery of Astrakhan.

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.