The Church celebrates the memory of St. Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria, who was born in Alexandria in AD 370 to wealthy parents and lived during the reign of Theodosius the Younger.
Saint Cyril was the nephew of Archbishop Theophilos of Alexandria. He received a great theological education and became the successor of his uncle to the patriarchal throne of the Church of Alexandria.
When the Third Ecumenical Council took place in Ephesus in AD 431, Cyril presided over the council and vehemently opposed the heterodoxy of Nestorius regarding his teaching on the face of the Virgin Mary. It should be noted that the Third Ecumenical Council, among other decisions, reaffirmed the autocephaly of the Apostolic Church of Cyprus (Canon 8).
With his many spiritual achievements, his virtuous life, and his rich theological work, Cyril became a great church figure. He fell asleep in the Lord on June 9 AD 444 remaining on the patriarchal throne for about 32 years. Saint Anastasios of Sinai rightly called him the “seal of the Fathers”.
The memory of St. Cyril is also celebrated on January 18 together with his predecessor Saint Athanasios of Alexandria for their great theological significance and recognition as Fathers and Teachers of the Church.
Source: Church of Cyprus
