Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem

Life

Born in Jerusalem in the time of Constantine the Great, he fell asleep in the time of Theodosius the Great (315–386). In 346 he was ordained a priest, and in 350 he succeeded the blessed Patriarch Maximus on the throne of Jerusalem. Three times he was cast down from his throne and sent into exile, until at last in the time of Theodosius he was restored, and having lived peacefully for eight more years, he gave up his soul to the Lord. He fought two great struggles: one against the Arians, who grew powerful under Constantius, the son of Constantine; and the other under Julian the Apostate, against that apostate and against the Jews. In the time of the power of the Arians, on the Day of Pentecost, there appeared a sign of the Cross, brighter than the sun, which extended over Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, and lasted for several hours beginning from the ninth hour of the morning. Concerning this appearance, which was seen by all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, a letter was written to Emperor Constantius, and it served greatly to strengthen Orthodoxy against the heretics. In the time of the Apostate, moreover, another sign came to pass. Wishing to humiliate Christianity, Julian persuaded the Jews to rebuild the Temple of Solomon. Cyril prayed to God that this should not be. And there came a terrible earthquake which destroyed all that had been newly built. Then the Jews began again. But again there came an earthquake, which demolished not only the newly built portions but also uprooted and scattered the ancient stones that were still held in the earth. And thus the word of the Lord was fulfilled: not one stone shall be left upon another. Of the many writings of this holy father, his Catecheses have been preserved — a first-rate work that confirms the faith and practice of Orthodoxy to this day. This holy one was an uncommon archpastor and great ascetic. He was meek, humble, utterly emaciated, and pale of face. After a life of great labors and a valiant struggle for the Orthodox faith, he reposed in peace and departed to the eternal courts of the Lord.

From the Hymn of Praise

### SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM