Synaxarium

On this day, in the year 160 A.M. (June 27, 444 A.D.), the great father, the pillar of faith and lamp of the Orthodox Church, Saint Cyril I, Pope of Alexandria and the twenty-fourth Patriarch, fell asleep.

This saint was the nephew of Pope Theophilus, the twenty-third Patriarch. He was raised by his uncle in the school of Alexandria and was educated in its theological and philosophical sciences necessary to defend the Christian faith and the true Orthodox belief. After acquiring ample knowledge in these sciences, his uncle sent him to the Monastery of Saint Macarius in the desert, where he studied under a virtuous elder named Serapamon. He read all the church books and the sayings of the pure fathers, and cultivated his mind by practicing virtuous piety for a period of time.

After spending five years in the desert, Pope Theophilus sent him to Father Serapion, the virtuous bishop, where he increased in wisdom and knowledge and trained in piety and virtue. Afterwards, the bishop returned him to Alexandria, where his uncle rejoiced greatly and ordained him a deacon, appointed him a preacher in the cathedral church, and made him his secretary. Whenever Cyril preached, he captivated the hearts of his listeners with his eloquence, fluency, and powerful influence. From that time, he became famous for his abundant knowledge, great piety, and strong impact in teaching.

When his uncle Pope Theophilus passed away on 18 Babah, 128 A.M. (October 15, 412 A.D.), they enthroned Cyril as his successor on 20 Babah, 128 A.M. (October 17, 412 A.D.). The church was enlightened by his knowledge and his care focused on opposing pagan worship and defending the Christian faith. He began to refute the slanders of the unbelieving Emperor Julian in his ten writings, which were the pride of the pagan youth, claiming they had destroyed the foundations of the Christian religion. Pope Cyril refuted them with clear evidence, decisive proofs, and convincing arguments. He fought against heretics until he managed to close their churches and seize their vessels. Then he ordered the expulsion of the Jews from Alexandria, which caused fighting and riots between the Jews and Christians, leading to an expansion of the conflict between the governor and this great saint. Due to his firm adherence to Christian morals and teachings, he himself sought reconciliation with the governor, who refused to accept peace, so the dispute between them lasted for a long time.

When the heresy of Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople who assumed the throne in 428 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II, who denied that the Virgin is the Mother of God, appeared, an Ecumenical Council of two hundred bishops convened in the city of Ephesus during the reign of the young Emperor Theodosius II. Saint Cyril, Pope of Alexandria, presided over this council and debated Nestorius, exposing his heresy and threatening him with excommunication and removal from his throne if he did not retract his corrupt opinion. At that time, he wrote twelve chapters on the true faith, refuting Nestorius's error. Patriarch John of Antioch and some Eastern bishops opposed Cyril, supporting Nestorius, but later they reconciled. Cyril triumphed over the church's opponents and composed many valuable articles and letters explaining and affirming that "God the Word is one nature, one will, and one person incarnate," condemning anyone who divides Christ or departs from this view. The emperor exiled Nestorius in 435 A.D. to the Egyptian lands, where he stayed in Akhmim until his death in 440 A.D.

Among Pope Cyril's immortal works is his explanation of the Holy Scriptures. When he completed his service, he became ill and peacefully fell asleep after having served on the Alexandrian throne for thirty-one years, eight months, and ten days. May his prayers be with us. Amen.

On this day, the great Pope Celestinus, Bishop of the city of Rome, fell asleep (July 27, 422 A.D.). This saint was a disciple of Saint Boniface, Bishop of Rome, and upon his death, he recommended that Father Celestinus succeed him. He also advised him, saying: "Be watchful, my son, for there will be ravenous wolves in Rome." This father was a virtuous monk and knowledgeable. When Boniface passed away on September 4, 422 A.D., Celestinus was ordained in his place on September 10, 422 A.D., during the reign of Emperor Honorius. This emperor died in Ravenna, France, in 423 A.D. When one of the emperors wanted to appoint Nestorius as Patriarch of Rome and expel the holy Pope Celestinus, the people rose up and expelled Nestorius. However, Emperor Julian was hostile to him, so this saint went to a monastery near the five cities and stayed there for a while. God performed many miracles through him. Then the angel Raphael appeared to him in a dream, saying: "Arise and go to Antioch to its Patriarch Saint Demetrius and stay with him, for the emperor has decided to kill you upon his return from war." Upon awakening, he left the monastery with two brothers and came to Antioch, where he found the Patriarch sick. He told him what had happened and stayed in a monastery near him. Then Saints Ignatius and Boniface appeared to him in a dream, along with another majestic person representing the emperor, and said: "Why have you left the city of the saints without a bishop? The Lord is taking your soul, and you will die by the hand of your enemy." He asked: "What shall I do?" They replied: "Do you believe in the Son of God?" He said: "Yes, I believe." They said: "Send to our son the bishop and bring him back to his throne with honor." Upon awakening, he wrote to Patriarch Demetrius of Antioch, asking him to find Celestinus and restore him to his throne. They found him and returned him with great honor. The people received him with joy and gladness, and the church was stabilized by his presence.

When Nestorius blasphemed and the council gathered against him, Celestinus could not attend personally due to illness, so he sent two priests with a letter excommunicating him. The emperor was pleased with Nestorius's words but submitted to the council's decision, and Nestorius was exiled to Egypt.

When the Lord wished to take Saint Celestinus from this world, Boniface his predecessor and Athanasius the Apostle appeared to him and said: "Advise your people, for Christ is calling you to Him." Upon awakening, he advised his people, saying: "Ravenous wolves will enter this city." After saying this, he added: "I am departing because the saints are calling me." After saying this, he peacefully fell asleep.

May his prayers be with us. Glory be to our Lord forever. Amen.