Hieromartyr Cyril, Bishop of Gortyna in Crete

Saint Cyril, Bishop of Gortyna, lived during the reigns of the emperors Diocletian and Maximian. As a Christian, he was condemned and thrown into prison, but miraculously freed. By divine command, he arrived in Rome, where he assisted the Church with his preaching. During the persecutions, he went to Jerusalem to support the Christians. On his way, he received a vision that commanded him not to bypass Crete, where he was elected bishop of the city of Gortyna. Throughout his years of ministry, he converted many from paganism to the light of truth. In deep old age, he was condemned and cast into the fire, but the Lord preserved him unharmed. After this, he converted many to Christ and at the age of 90 was beheaded by the sword.