Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

Early modern Christianity took many forms with multiple sets of doctrines in conflict with one another.  Because Christianity was illegal the early Christians met in secret.  This was a contributing factor in creating the vast differences between early Christian groups.  When Constantine experienced a vision from God in 312 A.D., he had a change of heart and decreed that Christianity was no longer illegal.  In the fourth century many Christian churches began to establish themselves and their beliefs publicly.  This atmosphere became a breeding ground for priests and other religious leaders to give speeches and write books in order to spread the beliefs of their church.  Saint Cyril of Jerusalem was one of these influential leaders in this era that dealt specifically with the subject of baptism.  Cyril was in close contact with the people preparing for baptism, and those that had already gone through the process.  He guided them through the process and helped them understand what each aspect of baptism represented.  The most important aspect of his teachings was the distinction he makes between baptism being a physical and spiritual transformation.  Saint Cyril of Jerusalem successfully argued that baptism is a bodily action that has to encapsulate a spiritual transformation.

A very important aspect of baptism has to do with the body.  The early Christians were anointed with oil, stripped down naked, and immersed in the holy water.  All of these things are physical actions.  Without this aspect baptism could not exist.  However, Cyril argues that this is not the most important part of the practice.  He explains the physical aspects of baptism so “that ye may know the deep meaning...of what was done on that evening of your baptism” (Cyril 40).  With this statement Cyril is emphasizing more than a physical transformation, but a spiritual one.

The most important aspect of baptism is the spiritual transformation of the heart and soul.  Cyril says, “but if thy lips declare thy willing, but thy heart is silent, He knows the heart who judgeth thee” (Cyril 45).  Regardless of the willingness of a person to be baptized into the church, that person has to be ready to be spiritually altered.  It is not enough to want to be a Christian, but one must prepare their hearts to accept God.  Without this acceptance, the act of baptism is heretical.  Cyril says this of such instances: “let no one of you be found tempting grace...let not any of you enter, saying, come, let us see what the faithful do” (Cyril 41).  The process of baptism is not for people to witness and learn about faith, but for the faithful to come and proclaim their it.

Saint Cyril devoted his life to the education of new Christians.  He did a very good job of explaining and relating the deep meaning of this practice.  Also, he spoke to multitudes of people allowing him to touch many lives.  He touched not only those that had already gone through baptism, but he also helped people prepare for their transformation.  He made a great impact on early Christians around him and helped people see the importance of not only the embodiment experience, but also the essential transformation of the spirit.

Bibliography:

St. Cyril. Lectures on the Christian Sacraments. Edited by F.L. Cross. Crestwood, NY:  St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1951.