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St. Cyril of Alexandria - June 27
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Thursday, June 27, 2024
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Feast: June 27
The patron saint of St. Cyril of Alexandria parish lived from 376 to 441 A.D. in the city of Alexandria in Egypt.
He became the patriarch of that city in the year 412. He was declared a doctor of the church in the year 1882 by Pope Leo XIII.
This painting hangs in the Narthex of the church, just outside the Sacristy.
St. Cyril is best known for his eloquent defense of the title, "Theotokos" (God-Bearer) for the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Council of Ephesus, held in the Basilica of St. Mary, formally defined that "Theotokos" was an appropriate title for Mary.
In the year 1964, Mr. Gregory Walsh, then a member of the parish, was commissioned by Fr. E.T. Quinters to do a painting of St. Cyril. The painting (See photo above captures our patron saint in one of his more representative actions. It depicts him expounding reasons why the title, "Theotokos" is a theologically sound one for the Virgin.
In the words of the artist: "He is depicted acting impulsively, for that was his nature. The light of the Holy Spirit descends upon him, and illuminates the Basilica. The patriarch of Alexandria has swirled around and dramatically points heavenward as he implores the assembled bishops to accept the dogma. His notes fall to the floor, and his Gospel Codex perches perilously close to the edge of the altar."
The patron and intercessor of St. Cyril of Alexandria parish gives to the people of this community a rich heritage and a model of vigorous faith.
His great devotion to the Eucharist and to Mary, Mother of God, is an inspiration to the parish named after him.
The painting hangs in the Narthex of the church, just outside the Sacristy.
