Cyril of Alexandria
Hierarch
Commemorated January 18 · June 9
Our father among the saints Cyril of Alexandria was the Pope of Alexandria at the time Alexandria was at its height in influence and power within the Roman Empire. Cyril wrote extensively and was a leading protagonist in the Christological controversies of the 4th and 5th centuries. He was a central figure in the Council of Ephesus in 431 which led to the deposition of Nestorius as Archbishop of Constantinople. Cyril is among the patristic fathers, and his reputation within the Orthodox Christian world has led to his acquiring the title "Seal of all the Fathers." His feast day is celebrated on June 9 and, with St. Athanasius of Alexandria , on January 18 .
Troparion
O instructor of Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and purity,
beacon for the whole world, divinely inspired adornment of hierarchs.
O most wise Cyril by thy doctrines thou hast illumined all.
O harp of the Spirit, entreat Christ God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion
Thou hast manifestly poured forth upon us an abyss of doctrines of theology
from the well-springs of the Savior,
drowning heresies and saving thy flock unharmed by threefold waves, O blessed Cyril;
for thou art shown to be a guide for all lands, O venerable one, revealing things divine.