July 29th 4th century

Saint Cyriacus

Bishop of Ancona, Saint Cyriacus was martyred in Palestine during the reign of Julian the Apostate after visiting the Holy Land. His cult developed particularly in Provins after Count Henry I of Champagne brought his head back from the East. A splendid church was dedicated to him in this city, where a portion of his relics is still honored.

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    SAINT CYRIACUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR.

    Cult 01 / 04

    Spread of the cult in Gaul

    The cult of Saint Cyriacus, a martyr in Palestine, spread to Gaul and became particularly rooted in the city of Provins.

    The triumph of Saint Cyriacus , martyred in P alestine, where he had gone to visit the Holy Places, spread promptly to Gaul. He was honored with a particular cult in the city of Provins .

    Legacy 02 / 04

    Translation of the relics to Provins

    Count Henry I of Champagne brought the saint's head back from the East to dedicate a prestigious collegiate church to him in Provins.

    A church had already been erected in his honor in ancient times, when Henry I, Count of Champagne, brought his venerated head from the East and built a new church that was as vast as it was splendid. This church, now a parish church, was once served by a college of priests and enjoyed numerous privileges and immunities. A certain part of his head is still kept there today, the translation of which is honored on July 29.

    Martyrdom 03 / 04

    Origin and tragic end

    Identified as bishop of Ancona by Baronius, Cyriacus suffered martyrdom under the Emperor Julian the Apostate.

    Saint Cyriacus was, according to Baronius, a bishop of the cit y of A ncona. He accomplished his marty rdom under Julia n the Apostate, after having endured many terrible torments.

    Source 04 / 04

    Source of the narrative

    The text relies on the liturgical sources of the Diocese of Meaux.

    Official source Les Petits Bollandistes, by Mgr Paul GUÉRIN, chamberlain to His Holiness Pius IX.

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    Frequently asked questions about Saint Cyriacus

    Who was Saint Cyriacus?

    Bishop of Ancona, Saint Cyriacus was martyred in Palestine during the reign of Julian the Apostate after visiting the Holy Land. His cult developed particularly in Provins after Count Henry I of Champagne brought his head back from the East. A splendid church was dedicated to him in this city, where a portion of his relics is still honored.

    What is Saint Cyriacus the patron saint of?

    Patronage of Saint Cyriacus: Provins.

    How is Saint Cyriacus depicted in Christian art?

    In iconography, Saint Cyriacus is recognizable by: venerated head (skull).

    How did Saint Cyriacus die?

    Saint Cyriacus suffered martyrdom for the Christian faith (4th century).

    Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Cyriacus?

    Contemporaries include: Saint Blaise, Saint Hilary of Poitiers, Saint Basil the Great (Archbishop of Caesarea) and Saint Baudilus.

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    Key Events

    1. Visit to the Holy Land in Palestine
    2. Martyred under Julian the Apostate after numerous torments
    3. Translation of his head to Provins by Henry I, Count of Champagne