Page "Cyril of Jerusalem" Paragraph 10

His famous twenty-three catechetical lectures ( Greek Κατηχήσεις ), which he delivered while still a presbyter in 347 or 348, contain instructions on the principal topics of Christian faith and practice, in rather a popular than a scientific manner, full of a warm pastoral love and care for the catechumens to whom they were delivered.

Each lecture is based upon a text of Scripture, and there is an abundance of Scriptural quotation throughout.

After a general introduction, eighteen lectures follow for the competentes, and the remaining five are addressed to the newly baptized, in preparation for the reception of Holy Communion.

These last instructional addresses are called mystagogic ( μυσταγωγικαί ), because they deal with the mysteries ( μυστήρια ) i. e. Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.