Synaxarium

On this day in the year 386 AD, the holy father Anba Kyrillos, Bishop of Jerusalem, departed. This father was chosen in the year 348 AD as successor to Anba Maximos, Bishop of Jerusalem, due to his knowledge and piety. He did not remain long on his throne before disputes arose between him and Acacius, Bishop of Caesarea, about which of them had the right to precedence over the other. Kyrillos' argument was that he was the successor of Saint James, one of the twelve apostles. It happened that Acacius took advantage of Anba Kyrillos selling church vessels and distributing their price to the needy following a severe famine in Palestine, to pursue efforts that led to an order for his exile from the country. He was exiled and no one heeded his appeal. In 359 AD, he renewed his appeal before the Synod of Seleucia, which summoned Acacius to hear his case; Acacius did not attend, so he was deposed, and the synod requested the reinstatement of Kyrillos to his throne. He returned, but did not remain long because Acacius returned and persuaded Emperor Constantius to convene a synod in Constantinople. The Arians supported him, and this synod was held in 360 AD, issuing an order to depose this saint a second time. When Constantius died and Julian the Apostate succeeded him, he ordered the return of the exiled bishops to their thrones. Thus, this saint returned to his throne in 362 AD and began to shepherd his people faithfully and uprightly. However, he opposed the Arians, who appealed to the Arian emperor to annul Julian's order for the return of the exiled bishops. Thus, this saint was deposed a third time. He remained in exile until he died during the reign of Theodosius I in 379 AD. When Theodosius convened the Council of 150 (the Second Ecumenical Council) against Macedonius, this father attended and opposed Macedonius, Sabellius, and other heretics. The saint authored many beneficial books and sermons on the doctrines of faith and ancient traditions, then departed in peace. May his prayer be with us. Amen.

On this day, the honored and perfect father, the one of good old age and beautiful remembrance, Anba Michael, Bishop of the See of Naqada, departed. May God have mercy on us through his prayers. And to our Lord be glory always. Amen.