Judas Cyriacus
Judas Cyriacus, also known as Cyriacus of Ancona or Cyriacus of Jerusalem, is venerated as the patron saint of Ancona, Italy. He is primarily remembered for his legendary role in aiding Empress Helena in the discovery of the True Cross and his subsequent baptism and martyrdom. His feast day is celebrated on May 4th in the Catholic Church and April 14th in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- Feast Day
- 4 May
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Judas Cyriacus is the patron saint of Ancona, Italy.
- ›He is traditionally identified with a Jew named Judas Kyriakos who helped Empress Helena find the True Cross.
- ›After assisting in the discovery of the True Cross, he was baptized and consecrated as bishop of Jerusalem.
- ›He was martyred during the persecutions of Julian the Apostate in the 4th century.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on may 4th in the Catholic Church and April 14th in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- ›The Cathedral of San Ciriaco in Ancona is dedicated to him.
Cyriacus of Ancona, Cyriacus of Jerusalem, Quiriacus, Quiricus, Kyriakos, Quirico, Ciriaco
Ancona, Italy
About Judas Cyriacus
Judas Cyriacus, also known by various names including Cyriacus of Ancona, Cyriacus of Jerusalem, Quiriacus, Quiricus, and Kyriakos, is a saint venerated in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He is primarily recognized as the patron saint of Ancona, Italy, where his feast day is celebrated on May 4. The Eastern Orthodox Church observes his feast on April 14.
The Legend of the True Cross
The most prominent aspect of Judas Cyriacus's legend involves his role in the discovery of the True Cross. According to tradition, he was a Jew named Judas Quiriacus who possessed knowledge of the cross's burial site at Golgotha, passed down through his family. He is said to have aided Empress Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, in locating and recovering the True Cross. Following this event, he is reported to have converted to Christianity, taking the name Kyriakos, which means 'lordly' or 'lord-like' in Greek. The oldest extant Syriac text of this legend dates from around 500 AD.
Martyrdom and Veneration
Following his conversion and assistance to Helena, Judas Cyriacus is said to have been baptized and consecrated as the bishop of Jerusalem. His martyrdom is traditionally placed during the persecutions of Emperor Julian the Apostate in the 4th century. The Acts of his martyrdom, originally written in Greek, describe him enduring torments along with his mother, Anna. There is historical discussion about potential confusion between different saints named Cyriacus who lived during this period.
Legacy and Patronage
The Empress Galla Placidia is credited with presenting Ancona with the relics of Judas Cyriacus, solidifying his connection to the city. The Cathedral of San Ciriaco in Ancona, a significant Romanesque structure, is dedicated to him and is believed to occupy the site of an ancient temple. Some traditions also associate his head with Provins, France, where Henry I of Champagne is said to have brought it from Jerusalem.
While the historical accuracy of many details surrounding Judas Cyriacus is debated, his veneration as a saint, particularly as the patron of Ancona and his legendary role in the discovery of the True Cross, has left a significant mark on religious tradition and devotion.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Judas Cyriacus?
Judas Cyriacus was a bishop of Ancona who is venerated as the patron saint of the city. He is also known by several other names, including Cyriacus of Ancona and Cyriacus of Jerusalem.
What is Judas Cyriacus most famous for?
He is most famously associated with the legend of aiding Empress Helena in finding the True Cross. According to tradition, he was a Jew named Judas Kyriakos who revealed the cross's location, later converting to Christianity and taking the name Kyriakos.
When was Judas Cyriacus martyred?
He was martyred during the persecutions of Julian the Apostate in the 4th century, placing his death around AD 360. His martyrdom is described in his Acts, which detail his torments.
When is the feast day of Judas Cyriacus?
His feast day is celebrated on May 4th in the Catholic Church. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, his feast is observed on April 14th.
Is Judas Cyriacus confused with any other saints?
Yes, Judas Cyriacus of Ancona is often confused with the legendary Bishop Judah Kyriakos of Jerusalem, who was said to have been killed in 133 AD. There may also have been confusion with another Saint Cyriacus who died in the 4th century.
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