Saint Cyril of Alexandria
Feast Day: June 27
Saint Cyril of Alexandria was a bishop in the early Church. He lived in the 400s. He is known for standing up for what the Church believes about Jesus. He is also known for defending the title of Mary as the “Mother of God.”
Cyril was the Patriarch of Alexandria in Egypt. This means he was the leader of the Church in that area. Alexandria was a big city and very important at the time. There were many people there with different beliefs.
Cyril is called a Church Father. This means he helped shape the early teachings of the Church. He is also a Doctor of the Church. This means his writings are important for teaching the faith.
He is sometimes called Saint Cyril the Great or just Cyril of Alexandria. He is remembered most for his work against a man named Nestorius. This man taught false things about Jesus. Cyril helped lead a Church council to settle the issue.
A Boy from a Church Family
Cyril was born around the year 376. He was born in a small town in Egypt called Didouseya. His family was Christian. He had a strong Church background.
His uncle was Theophilus, the Patriarch of Alexandria. This helped Cyril learn about the Church from a young age. He grew up with Church life all around him.
Cyril went to school in Alexandria. He studied the Bible and other Church writings. He also learned about Greek philosophy and grammar. He was smart and worked hard.
When he was older, his uncle brought him into Church work. Cyril followed Theophilus on Church trips. He learned how to lead and how to teach. This helped prepare him to become Patriarch later.
A Tough Leader in a Busy City
Cyril became Patriarch in the year 412. This happened after his uncle died. Some people did not like that he became bishop, but he stayed strong in his role.
The city of Alexandria had many problems. There were fights between different religious groups. Cyril worked to keep the Church strong. He wanted people to follow true teaching.
He closed churches that followed wrong beliefs. He also got into conflict with the Jewish leaders in the city. Some people think he was too harsh. Others think he was just trying to protect the Church.
Cyril believed the Church had to teach the truth, even when it was hard. He wanted people to know who Jesus was. He worked to keep the Church united and strong.
The Big Fight About Jesus
One of the biggest events in Cyril’s life was his fight with Nestorius. Nestorius was the Patriarch of Constantinople. He taught that Jesus was two separate persons—one human and one from God.
Because of this, Nestorius said people should not call Mary “Mother of God.” He said she only gave birth to the human Jesus. Cyril said this was wrong. The Church had always believed that Jesus is one person, and Mary is truly the Mother of God.
The word Theotokos means “God-bearer” or “Mother of God.” Cyril strongly defended this title for Mary. He said it was the correct way to speak about her, because Jesus is truly God, and she gave birth to Him.
Cyril wrote letters to Nestorius. He also asked the Pope in Rome for help. The Pope agreed with Cyril. Cyril then helped lead the Council of Ephesus in the year 431. This was a big Church meeting.
The Council said Nestorius was wrong. They said Mary is truly the Mother of God because Jesus is one person. This was a very important moment for the Church. Cyril helped the bishops come to this decision.
Writing for the Truth
Cyril wrote many things to help people understand Jesus. He wrote letters, sermons, and books. Many of his writings are still read today.
He explained the Bible in simple ways. He focused a lot on the Gospels. He wanted people to know Jesus better by reading Scripture. He also explained Church teaching clearly.
One of his main teachings was that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. But He is still one person, not two. This idea is still important in the Church today.
Cyril’s writings helped fight against wrong ideas. They helped people stay close to true faith. He was not always easy to get along with, but he cared deeply about the truth.
A Saint Who Still Speaks
Cyril died in the year 444. He had been Patriarch for over 30 years. He worked hard during that time. He helped the Church stay strong.
He was honored as a saint after his death. Later, the Church gave him the title Doctor of the Church. This means his writings are important for teaching the faith.
His feast day is June 27 in the Roman Catholic Church. Some Eastern Churches honor him on different days. He is remembered as a strong defender of the truth about Jesus.
Saint Cyril is sometimes called the “Seal of the Fathers” because he helped finish the work of the early Church teachers. He is the patron saint of Alexandria and is honored by both Catholic and Orthodox Christians today.
Daily Mass Readings
The readings for this memorial may be taken from the readings below, the Common of Pastors, the Common of Doctors of the Church, or the readings of the day.
- First Reading – 2 Timothy 4:1-5: Remain steady in every situation. Teach the truth, even when it’s not welcome. Be patient, endure trials, and complete the mission you have been given to share the Gospel.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: I will sing of your mercy and truth. You chose David, gave him strength, and promised to remain with him. He will call you Father and trust in your saving help.
- Gospel – Matthew 5:13-19: Disciples must live in a way that brings light to others. Jesus fulfills the law and calls his followers to keep and teach God’s commandments, giving glory to the Father in heaven.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Standing for the Truth Like Saint Cyril
Saint Cyril of Alexandria lived in a time when many people were confused about who Jesus was. Some said He was only human. Others said He was two separate persons. Cyril knew this was wrong. He believed what the Church had always taught—that Jesus is one person, both from God and truly human. Because of this, he defended the title Theotokos for Mary. He stood up for the truth, even when it caused problems.
Cyril’s life shows that the truth matters. He did not stay quiet when someone taught something false about Jesus. He spoke clearly. He wrote letters. He went to meetings. He kept working, even when it was hard. He did not try to please everyone. He wanted people to know the real Jesus.
In our own lives, we also face situations where the truth is not clear. Some people say things about Jesus or the Church that are not right. Like Cyril, we are called to speak up. We may not write books or lead councils, but we can speak kindly and clearly. We can share what we know about our faith. We can help others see who Jesus really is.
Cyril also reminds us to stay close to the Church. He did not make up his own ideas. He listened to the bishops. He asked the Pope for help. He worked with others to protect what the Church teaches. We are not alone in our faith. We walk with the Church and learn from those who came before us.
Reflection Questions:
- When have I stayed quiet instead of speaking the truth?
- Do I take time to learn what the Church teaches?
- How can I help others know Jesus better?
- Do I look to the saints for help in living my faith?
Resources
On the Unity of Christ
On the Unity of Christ is a clear and important work by Saint Cyril of Alexandria. He wrote it after the Council of Ephesus to help people understand what the Church believes about Jesus. At the time, there was a lot of confusion. Some thought Jesus was split into two persons. Cyril explained that Jesus is one person, both human and from God, without being divided. He showed that Jesus was truly human and truly able to save us. This book helps readers understand why the Church says Jesus is one, not two, and why that matters for our faith.
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Questions and Answers about Saint Cyril of Alexandria
Who was Saint Cyril of Alexandria?
He was a bishop in the early Church. He lived in the 400s and was the Patriarch of Alexandria in Egypt.
What is he known for?
He is known for standing up for the truth about Jesus. He helped the Church teach that Jesus is one person, both from God and human.
What did he say about Mary?
He said Mary should be called Theotokos, which means “Mother of God,” because she gave birth to Jesus, who is truly from God.
Who did he argue with?
He argued with Nestorius, who said Jesus was two separate persons and that Mary should not be called the Mother of God.
What council did he help lead?
He helped lead the Council of Ephesus in the year 431. This council said Nestorius was wrong and agreed with Cyril.
What did he write?
He wrote many letters, sermons, and books. He explained the Bible and defended Church teaching.
Was he always kind and gentle?
No. Cyril was sometimes harsh. But he cared about the truth and worked hard to protect the faith.
Is he a Doctor of the Church?
Yes. The Church gave him this title because his writings help people understand the faith better.
When is his feast day?
His feast day is June 27 in the Roman Catholic Church.
Why is he important today?
He helps us remember that truth matters. He shows us how to stay strong in faith, even when it’s not easy.
Strong in Truth, Steady in Faith
Saint Cyril of Alexandria lived at a time when the Church was under pressure. People were confused about who Jesus was. Some leaders were teaching the wrong things. Cyril did not stay quiet. He spoke up for the truth. He helped the Church stay strong.
He showed that one person can make a difference. He was not perfect. He had struggles and made mistakes. But he kept working for what was right. He trusted in Jesus and stayed close to the Church.
Cyril’s life reminds us that faith is not always easy. Sometimes it means standing alone. Sometimes it means speaking clearly when others do not agree. But the truth matters. Jesus matters.
We remember Saint Cyril because he stayed faithful. He helped the Church know Jesus better. His life still speaks to us today. He shows us how to be strong, steady, and faithful in what we believe.
Your Turn
Want to learn more about Saint Cyril of Alexandria? Take time to read one of his letters or writings. Even one small quote can help you understand the faith better.
Have you ever had to stand up for your faith? Share your story in the comments. Let others know how Saint Cyril’s life speaks to you. Your voice might help someone else stay strong too.
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