The Works of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, vol. 1
Overview
Cyril’s life of some seventy years, placed in the very center of the fourth century, epitomizes much that was characteristic of the period and the locale. Bishop of Jerusalem for nearly forty years, he experienced three expulsions from his see, these due as much to politico-ecclesiastical rivalry as to his participation in the contemporary theological controversies, in which Cyril played an important and still disputed role. The present volume carries about half of the bishop’s most valuable production, a series of catechetical lectures for Lent and Easter week.
The introductory lecture (the Procatechesis) admitted the catechumens to the instructions to follow. Of these, the Catecheses proper, the first twelve appear in this first volume, the remaining six, with the five Mystogogical Lectures (for Easter Week), are in volume 2. The conferences are based firmly in the sacraments and in the successive articles of the Creed. It is upon the Creed and the various forms of it with which Cyril was involved that much of the extended Introduction centers. Cyril’s body of catechetical lectures, which has been called “one of the most precious treasures of Christian antiquity,” can make a telling contribution to the catechetical renewal within the Church of today and to the study and devotion of clergy and layfolk alike.
For The Fathers of the Church series in its entirety, see Fathers of the Church Series (127 vols.).
Key Features
- Clear teaching for initiates into the Christian faith
- Provides background on St. Cyril and the fourth century setting in which he lived
- One of 127 published volumes in a well-respected series on the Church Fathers
Top Highlights
“Great is the prize set before you in Baptism: ransom for captives, remission of sins, death of sin, a new, spiritual birth, a shining garment, a holy seal inviolable, a Heaven-bound chariot, delights of Paradise, a passport to the Kingdom, the grace of the adoption of sons.” (Page 82)
“If a man does not receive baptism he does not attain salvation, excepting only the martyrs, who, even without the water, receive the kingdom. For the Savior who redeemed the world by the Cross, when His side was pierced, poured forth blood and water, that in time of peace men might be baptized in water, but in time of persecution in their own blood. For the Savior could call martyrdom a baptism, saying: ‘Can you drink the cup of which I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?’36 For the martyrs, indeed, make their confession of faith, when ‘made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.’37 In a little while you too shall make your confession. But it is not yet time for you to hear about this.” (Pages 114–115)
“Let us, then, my brethren, persevere in hope; let us commit ourselves in hope: so will the God of all, seeing our resolution, cleanse us from our sins, grant us a good hope of our estate, and bestow on us repentance unto salvation.” (Page 78)
“True religion consists of these two elements: pious doctrines and virtuous actions. Neither does God accept doctrines apart from good works, nor are works, when divorced from godly doctrine, accepted by God.” (Pages 119–120)
“Then, after you have been vouchsafed the grace, He gives you the strength to struggle with the enemy powers. For just as He was tried for forty days after His baptism—not that He was unable to conquer sooner, but because He wished to accomplish all things in due order and sequence—so do you also, who before your baptism dared not close with your adversaries, from the moment of receiving the grace, trust henceforth in the armor of justice,45 do battle, and, if you will, preach the Gospel.” (Page 116)
- Title: The Works of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Volume 1
- Author: Cyril of Jerusalem
- Series: The Fathers of the Church
- Volume: 61
- Publisher: Catholic University of America
- Print Publication Date: 1969
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Pages: 240
- Era: era:nicene
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Theology › Early works to 1800
- ISBNs: 081320061, 0813214319, 9780813214313
- Resource ID: LLS:WRKSSNTCYRLJRSL01
- Resource Type: text.monograph.collected-work
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T21:10:52Z