Saint Cyril of Jerusalem was born around the year 315 in or near Jerusalem during the era of Constantine the Great. It was Constantine who legalized Christianity. During this period a great heresy arose. Arianism, named after Arius of Alexander, asserted that Jesus Christ is not truly divine or one in being with the Father. This created great divisions within the Church. In fact, eager for unity and peace, Constantine called the Council of Nicea (the first ecumenical council) to help resolve the controversy. The bishops issued a creed to safeguard orthodox Christian belief. Arius refused to sign the creed so he was declared a heretic. Unfortunately, the controversy did not end with this council. Cyril became a victim of many of the power struggles that took place and was removed from his office of Bishop three times.
Cyril professed the true doctrine. His bishop, Saint Maximus respected him enough to put him in charge of the instruction of catechumens. He wrote 24 lectures commonly known as the Jerusalem Catecheses. They are regarded as among the most precious remains of Christian Antiquity. They are the earliest record of the systematic teaching of the church on the creed and the Sacraments. They include an introductory address, eighteen instructions delivered in Lent to those who were preparing for baptism, and five "mystagogical" instructions given during Easter week to the same persons after their baptism. When Maximus died, Cyril was consecrated Bishop of Jerusalem.
After his third time in exile, Cyril returned to a Jerusalem destroyed by heresy and strife and he was never able to make things whole. He did attend the Council at Constantinople in 381 where the Nicene Creed which we say today was finalized. Cyril died around the year 386.
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem is a Doctor of the Church. There are three requirements that must be fulfilled by a person in order to merit being included in these distinguished ranks.
1) holiness that is truly outstanding, even among saints;
2) depth of doctrinal insight; and
3) an extensive body of writings which the church can recom¬mend as an expression of the authentic and life-giving Catholic Tradition