St. Cyprian, the Martyr, Bishop of Carthage – Sep 16 /Aug 31

Hieromartyr Cyprian of Carthage was the leading bishop of the Church of Africa during the mid-third century. Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus was born in Carthage, Africa in A.D. 200, from a Berber descent. His parents were noble pagans or very wealthy non-Christians. His father was one of the principal senators. Cyprian received fine secular education and became a splendid orator. He was a student of law and later became an advocate and a teacher of philosophy. He was also a professor of rhetoric and a public orator. He often used to appear in the courts to defend his fellow citizens. He acquired fame and friends in the ranks of high society. He is considered as a saint by Catholic, Anglican and some Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Cyprian received his fortune from his parents and work, which he spent lavishly on sumptuous banquets, but his thirst for the truth could not be quenched. He became a Christian, after finding himself disgusted with the ostentatious wealth, corrupt justice, and a society of bloodthirstiness and cruelty. In the middle age he came under the influence of the Priest, Caecilian, who became a friend and guide. He became acquainted with the writings of the Apologist theologian of North Africa, Tertullian, and that according to him, had lot of influence on him and took him closer to the truth of Christianity. Bishop Tertullian later wrote that he thought it was impossible for him to attain to the regeneration promised by the Savior, because of his habits. Even though, he did not follow all his views, he called him ‘teacher’. As a result of these associations, he made a vow of chastity, became a catechumen, and was finally baptized. He found that through the experience of baptism he was liberated and cleansed from his old life and given a new birth, armed with the heavenly gift of the Holy Spirit. He distributed his property to the poor and moved into the house of Priest Caecilian.

Few years after his Baptism, the saint was ordained as a priest and later in AD 248, was unanimously chosen as bishop, by the voice of the people, when Bishop Donatus of Carthage died. As a bishop, he was concerned mainly about the welfare of the Church and the eradication of vices among the clergy and flock. The life of the arch pastor evoked in everyone a desire to imitate his piety, humility, and wisdom. The fruitful activity of Saint Cyprian became known beyond the bounds of his diocese. Bishops from other sees often turned to him for advice on how to deal with various matters

During the persecution by the emperor Decius (249-251), he was forced to go into hiding, outside the city. Before he left, the bishop distributed the Church funds among all the Clergy for the aid of the needy and in addition he sent further funds too. This persecution badly affected the life of Churches in North Africa. His life was necessary to his flock for the strengthening of faith and courage among the persecuted. Later he arrived at the place of exile, when he had a vision, predicting for him a quick martyr’s end. While in exile, Cyprian wrote many letters and books. Desiring to suffer at Carthage, he returned there. Taken before the court, he was set at liberty until the following year. Nearly all the Christians of Carthage came to take leave of their bishop and receive his blessings.

Under Emperor Valerian, a new edict was issued against Christians. He was exiled to Curubis, today’s Korba Tunisia. Cyprian comforted, as best he could, for those of his exiled flock and clergy. A year later, he returned and kept prisoner in his own villa as a more stringent imperial edict was issued that demanded execution of all Christian clergy. He was imprisoned on September 13, 258 at the order of the proconsul, Galerius Maximus. The following day he was questioned again and then sentenced to die by the sword, to which he answered, “thanks be to God – Deo Gratis!” The execution came in an open place near the city before a multitude that followed Cyprian on his last journey. After removing his garments without assistance, he knelt and prayed. After he blindfolded himself, he was beheaded by the sword on September 14, 258.

Cyprian was a theologian, Bishop, and a steadfast leader in the Church of Africa. Cyprian has written about the use of the sign of the Cross on different occasions. His Christian life was short and troubled, but he became a great writer of his time. He is one of the principal founders of Latin theology. His theology was based on the central idea of the unity and uniqueness of the Church: “He no longer has God for his Father, who does not have the Church for his mother” In opposition to Tertullian, Cyprian insisted that the Holy Spirit is active only within the church: “Salus extra ecclesiam non est” (“There is no salvation outside the Church,” Letters 73.21). His works cover almsgiving, baptism, jealousy, and envy.  The Orthodox Churches celebrates the feast of St. Cyprian on 16 September.