Cyril became bishop of Jerusalem about 349. During the 4th century, the Roman Emperor Constantine had become a Christian and this gave some importance to the church, and brought attention to the places of Jesus’ ministry in Palestine which led to the “discovery” of many relics. There was a growing interest in pilgrimage, and Cyril fostered the development of the “holy city” as a pilgrimage centre for all Christendom. This greatly increased the number of people in Palestine. Jerusalem, rebuilt and renamed Aelia Capitolina following its destruction in 70 and 135 CE, was now becoming a significant Christian centre.

The many pilgrims coming to Jerusalem probably helped provide the stimulus that made the church there under Cyril a major centre of liturgical innovation, particularly in the celebration of the Christian year, with an emphasis on the events of Holy Week and Easter. Devotions were developed for the pilgrims at the different sites associated with Jesus’ ministry, passion, death and resurrection.

Cyril made a significant contribution to theology with the instructions on the Christian faith he gave to converts. In the 4th century, this was an elaborate process. In his Catechetical Lectures, Cyril provided a substantial course on the Christian faith. These lectures, based on the articles of the creed, were delivered during the weeks of preparation for baptism, which always took place at Easter. After Easter, Cyril gave a further series of lectures on the sacraments, called the Mystagogical Catecheses.

During the theological debates of the 4th century, Cyril was faithful to the theology of Nicea. In the political wrangles that accompanied the theological arguments, he more than once found himself out of favour, sometimes with both sides. On 3 occasions he was exiled from Jerusalem. The triumph of the Nicene party in 381 gave Cyril several peaceful years in Jerusalem before his death at age 70. Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1882.

BORN: 313 AD, Caesarea, Israel

DIED: 18 March 386 AD, Jerusalem, Palestine.