Cyril of Jerusalem
Also: Cyrillus Hierosolymitanus
Born probably between 313 and 315, perhaps in Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), now Jerusalem. Died probably between 386 and 387, probably in Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), now Jerusalem.
Bishop of Jerusalem in the years after Nicaea. His lectures for people about to be baptised show how the church taught new Christians.
Wrote in Greek. A major author.
Places lived
- 343 to 357Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), now Jerusalempriest, bishop from about 350years probable
- 357 to 359Tarsus, Turkeyexileyears probable
- 362 to 367Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), now Jerusalembishopyears probable
- 378 to 387Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), now Jerusalembishopyears probableHe was in exile from 360 to 362 and from 367 to 378. No source names the places.
Works
2 works, in the order they were written. 2 works can be read here.
- Catechetical LecturesAn opening talk and eighteen lessons on the creed for those about to be baptised.158,814 words
- Mystagogical CatechesesFive lessons that explain baptism, anointing and the Eucharist to the newly baptised.14,037 words
How we know the dates and places
- Born probable
- Scholars say about 315. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Cyril of Jerusalem'.
- Place of birth not sure
- No ancient source says so; scholars think in or near Jerusalem
- Died probable
- Jerome, On Illustrious Men 112 (bishop for eight years under Theodosius)
- Place of death probable
- Jerome, On Illustrious Men 112
- Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), years probable
- Jerome, Chronicle, at the year 348; Cyril, Catechetical Lectures (given about 350)
- Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), place sure
- Jerome, Chronicle, at the year 348; Cyril, Catechetical Lectures (given about 350)
- Tarsus, years probable
- Theodoret, Church History 2.26 (2.22 in the NPNF English); Sozomen, Church History 4.25
- Tarsus, place sure
- Theodoret, Church History 2.26 (2.22 in the NPNF English); Sozomen, Church History 4.25
- Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), years probable
- Socrates, Church History 3.20; Sozomen, Church History 4.30
- Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), place sure
- Socrates, Church History 3.20; Sozomen, Church History 4.30
- Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), years probable
- Jerome, On Illustrious Men 112; Socrates, Church History 5.8 (at the council of 381)
- Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), place sure
- Jerome, On Illustrious Men 112; Socrates, Church History 5.8 (at the council of 381)