Today the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of St. Cyril of Jerusalem.
Born about 315 AD, Cyril was raised in Jerusalem. Following his ordination there, he was asked to catechize people preparing for baptism during Lent, and then the newly baptized during the Easter season. His catechesis contained examples taken from the Church's ritual and theology during the mid-fourth century.
Shortly after he was named bishop of Jerusalem, Cyril found himself caught up in a conflict with the neighboring bishop of Caesarea. Cyril was accused of selling Church property to help the poor, and of insubordination. He was exiled from Jerusalem. Cyril was eventually vindicated and allowed to return to the holy city. Cyril died in 386 at about the age of 70.
In 1822, St. Cyril was declared a doctor of the Church.
The Communion hymn, "Make of Our Hands a Throne," is based on St. Cyril's mystagogical catechesis on sacred liturgy and Communion, during which he explains how to receive the Eucharist.
- Little White Book, Diocese of Saginaw