Nicene Era
Catechetical Lectures & Mystagogical Catecheses
Cyril of Jerusalem · c. 348 – 386
Historical Context
Bishop of Jerusalem during and after the Arian controversy, three times exiled from his see, and a chief architect of the Jerusalem paschal liturgy.
Summary
Cyril's Catechetical Lectures instruct candidates for baptism in the creed, the moral life, and the mysteries; the Mystagogical Catecheses, delivered in Easter week, unveil the meaning of baptism, chrismation, and the Eucharist. Together they are the most complete witness to fourth-century initiation.
Major Themes
- Catechesis
- Christian initiation
- Eucharistic realism
- Creed as summary of faith
Important Quotations
“Since He Himself has declared, 'This is my Body,' who shall dare to doubt?”— Mystagogical Catechesis 4
Related Timeline Events
Primary Sources
Further Reading
- Alexis Doval, Cyril of Jerusalem, Mystagogue