Hierarch · c. 376–444
Cyril of Alexandria
Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria
New Calendar January 18 Old Calendar January 31
Why they are a saint
Cyril of Alexandria was a defended the title Theotokos at the Council of Ephesus (431) against Nestorius; a principal teacher of Orthodox Christology. Orthodox Christians remember him as a hierarch who kept the apostolic faith in his see. The New Calendar feast is January 18.
Life
Saint Cyril was the nephew of Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, who educated him from his youth, and succeeded him as Archbishop of Alexandria in 412. He was deposed through the intrigues of the Nestorians but later resumed his see.
He presided at the Third Ecumenical Council in 431, which condemned the Nestorian blasphemy against the Most Holy Theotokos. He departed to the Lord in 444. He shares a feast on January 18 with Saint Athanasius in honour of their dogmatic writings, and is also commemorated on June 9, the day of his repose.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Cyril of Alexandria as a patron when they bear the name Cyril; Kirill at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 18. Those who share his calling as a teacher also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy Cyril of Alexandria, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with Cyril the Apostle of the Slavs; Cyril of Jerusalem; Cyril of White Lake.