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Raised a Christian in Jerusalem. Well educated, especially in religion.
Priest. Great instructor of catechumens, his instructions are still source
documents for the Church's early teachings. Bishop of Jerusalem in 348.
Exiled three times by the Arians. Greek Father of the Church. Doctor of
the Church.
Born: 315
Died: 386
Readings
Then during the Eucharistic prayer we make mention also of those who have
already fallen asleep: first, the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and
martyrs, that through their prayers and supplications God would receive
our petition.
Saint Cyril: Catechetical Lectures, 350AD
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It is not only among us, who are marked with the name of Christ, that the
dignity of faith is great; all the business of the world, even of those
outside the Church, is accomplished by faith. By faith, marriage laws join
in union persons who were strangers to one another. By faith, agriculture
is sustained; for a man does not endure the toil involved unless he
believes he will reap a harvest. By faith, seafaring men, entrusting
themselves to a tiny wooden craft, exchange the solid element of the land
for the unstable motion of the waves. Not only among us does this hold
true but also, as I have said, among those outside the fold. For though
they do not accept the Scriptures but advance certain doctrines of their
own, yet even these they receive on faith.
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (Catechesis V)
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Our actions have a tongue of their own; they have an eloquence of their
own, even when the tongue is silent. For deeds prove the lover more than
words.
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
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Children of justice, follow John's exhortation: "Make straight the way of
the Lord." Remove all obstacles and stumbling blocks so that you will be
able to go straight along the road to eternal life. Through a sincere
faith prepare yourselves so that you may be free to receive the Holy
Spirit.
My brothers, this is truly a great occasion. Approach it with caution. You
are standing in front of God and in the presence of the hosts of angels.
The Holy Spirit is about to impress his seal on each of your souls. You
are about to be pressed into the service of a great king.
And so prepare yourselves to receive the sacrament. The gleaming white
garments you are about to put on are not the preparation I am speaking of,
but rather the devotion of a clean conscience.
from a catechetical instruction by Saint Cyril of Jerusalem to those
preparing for baptism and confirmation
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Since Christ Himself has said, "This is My Body" who shall dare to doubt
that It is His Body?
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
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