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A Look inside the Church...

"The Annunciation”
Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1, verses 26-38.
Artist: Maureen McGuire of Phoenix, Arizona Entry way into the church
"Dedicated by the People of Saint Cyril of Alexandria on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - February 2, 2006"

The stained glass represents the Annunciation: “The angel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30).

Our patron, Saint Cyril of Alexandria held Mary in great devotion. The theology of Theotokos, the doctrine of Mary as the Mother of God, who is Jesus, fully human and fully divine arose partly out of Cyril’s reflection on the Annunciation. The Church of Saint Cyril indeed has found favor with God because of the people who encounter their faith, struggle with their faith live their faith, and those who have gone to their rest in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection.

Mary’s “yes” to God echoes our own faith journey as a community of faith responding “YES!” to God. Reminiscent of the nearly touching outstretched fingers of God and Adam in Michelangelo’s fresco in the Sistine Chapel, you see Mary’s open hand just beneath the outstretched finger of the angel Gabriel reminding us that Mary’s “let it be according to your word” has created us anew by welcoming Jesus into the world. With this same openness, we welcome all who enter the church.

People of every faith, language, race, and way of life are welcome!

In the Vestibule...

The church underwent major recontruction in the summer and fall of 2005. The stained glass window above was designed, the orginal, high wood beams in the vestibule were exposed and the entire Church was updated with a fresh coat of paint.

A depiction of our patron saint, St. Cyril of Alexandria, hangs on the western wall in the vestibule (shown left). Created by Fr. Frank, it is a random-stitch free-motion machine embroidery and applique. He wears the tradition garb of a bishop at that time. The fingers of his right hand are in the tradtional position representing the Trinity and he is holding the scriptures. On the opposite wall, a painting of Our lady of Guadalupe given as a gift to the Parish, hangs next to the special intentions book.

For more infomation about the Fr. Frank Sabatte's art, visit http://www.sabatte-arts.com/index.html

Around the Sanctuary...

Saint Cyril of Alexandria is a welcoming community of faith in the Roman Catholic tradition. When not in use for mass and other engagements, all are welcome to enter the Church from around 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Different views of the sanctuary include (from left to right): the nave, Eucharistic chapel, front altar and behind the altar towards the entrance.

Along the Walls...

A Statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel stands behind the altar (shown left). Unlike other religious orders, the Carmelites have no founder. Instead, the story begins more than 800 years ago when hermits settled upon Mount Carmel in Palestine. The order grew and the influence of the Brothers of Mount Carmel spread. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel became one of the most recognizable figures important to Carmelites.

Other decor includes a prayer area in front of Our Lady Of Guadalupe, statues of the holy family and located along the western wall, the red prayer candles that were donated by Lee Oser in honor of his mother. Along the walls are located eight stained glass windows (shown below) as well as the fourteen Stations of the Cross.