The Career Of Cyril Of Jerusalem (C.348-87): A Reassessment
Journal of Theological Studies, (2007)DOI: 10.1093/jts/fll105
Abstract
The career of Cyril of Jerusalem is usually reconstructed as a series of depositions and exiles. By drawing attention to the different traditions present in the sources and by eliminating some conceptual misgivings concerning episcopal exiles, this paper shows that the numerous depositions of Cyril attested during the reigns of Julian and Valens reflect a battle for supremacy between Cyril and his Homoean opponents. It cannot be proven that Cyril was really exiled or even deposed during this period. The internal battle for the see of Jerusalem continued when Cyril, previously a member of the Homoiousian party, accepted the Nicene orthodoxy under Theodosius I. This time the true' Nicenes regretted Cyril's opportunistic conversion and did not accept him as the true bishop of the city. Although the sources assume that Cyril was uncontested bishop of the city at this time, this does not seem to have been the case.