St. Cyril of Jerusalem, March 18
Bishop of Jerusalem in the fourth century, Cyril was exiled three times during the Arian controversy. His lectures to those preparing for baptism, given around 350, show how the early Church taught the faith and celebrated the sacraments. He died in 387 and is a Doctor of the Church.
On the General Roman Calendar, March 18 is an optional memorial: Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor.
Other saints on March 18
- St. Alexander, bishop of Jerusalem and martyr (251)
Name days on March 18
In countries that keep name days, March 18 is the day for people named Cyril.
| Name | Feast day |
|---|---|
| Cyril | March 18 |
March 18 on the calendar
March 18 is the 77th day of the year (the 78th in a leap year), with 288 days left until December 31. Here is the day of the week it falls on in the coming years:
| Year | Day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | Thursday |
| 2028 | Saturday |
| 2029 | Sunday |
| 2030 | Monday |
Keeping March 18
March 18 falls in winter. As an optional memorial, each parish or priest may choose whether to celebrate it. Families who keep name days often mark the day with a card, a candle or a favorite meal, and parishes named after the saint may hold a festival. If you know someone named Cyril, it is a good day to send a note.
Saints of the week around March 18
| Date | Saint or feast |
|---|---|
| March 15 | St. Louise de Marillac |
| March 16 | St. Heribert of Cologne |
| March 17 | St. Patrick |
| March 19 | St. Joseph |
| March 20 | St. Cuthbert |
| March 21 | St. Nicholas of Flüe |
The day before, March 17, is the day of St. Patrick. The day after, March 19, belongs to St. Joseph. Looking for a name? Try the name day calendar or go back to today’s saint.