Saints Library · Overcoming Obstacles
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Bishop of Alexandria and Doctor of the Church
Life and historical setting
Cyril of Alexandria (376–444) is remembered in the Church as bishop of Alexandria and Doctor of the Church. The supplied Catholic source associates this life with El Mahalla El Kubra.
Documented offices and forms of service associated with Cyril of Alexandria include Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Cyril of Alexandria's written work included extensively and was a major player in the Christological controversies of the late 4th and 5th centuries. Cyril of Alexandria's leadership included to the deposition of Nestorius as Patriarch of Constantinople.
Cyril of Alexandria's leadership included to the murder of the Hellenistic philosopher Hypatia by a Christian mob.
The enduring witness of Cyril of Alexandria is especially connected with gospel encounter and discipleship, prayer and contemplation, and teaching and sacred learning. Because the surviving record is ancient and sometimes brief, the profile distinguishes early testimony from later devotional development.
Vocation and witness
These themes were identified from the supplied source record and provide a structured guide to the life.
Gospel encounter and discipleship
The supplied account connects this life directly with Christ, the Gospel, or the apostolic witness.
Prayer and contemplation
Prayer, contemplation, or a disciplined interior life is a significant part of the recorded witness.
Teaching and sacred learning
Teaching, writing, study, or the formation of others belongs to the legacy preserved in the source.
Pastoral and ecclesial leadership
The account includes pastoral, monastic, or ecclesial leadership exercised for the good of the Church.
Courageous public witness
The narrative records fidelity expressed publicly despite conflict, opposition, exile, or imprisonment.
Perseverance in grace
The source presents a vocation shaped by conversion, perseverance, and cooperation with grace.
Spiritual legacy
The enduring witness of Cyril of Alexandria is especially connected with gospel encounter and discipleship, prayer and contemplation, and teaching and sacred learning. Because the surviving record is ancient and sometimes brief, the profile distinguishes early testimony from later devotional development.
Prayerful reflection
God of holiness, through the witness of Cyril of Alexandria, strengthen us in conversion, perseverance, and cooperation with grace when the way is difficult. Keep our attention fixed on Jesus Christ, and teach us to answer grace faithfully in the duties, relationships, and needs placed before us. Amen.
Historical and liturgical note
Current Vatican News calendar listing; local and religious calendars may add other observances.
Other associated observances: June 9.
Because the surviving record is ancient and sometimes brief, the profile distinguishes early testimony from later devotional development.