Rare Pyramid Reliquary with Relics of Saints Cyrus and John of Alexandria, Martyrs and Unmercenary Healers — with Original 1834 Document

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Rare Pyramid Reliquary with Relics of Saints Cyrus and John of Alexandria, Martyrs and Unmercenary Healers — with Original 1834 Document

An exceptional 19th-century pyramid-shaped reliquary, gilded and richly decorated, containing the sacred relics of the Holy Unmercenary Physicians and Martyrs of Alexandria, Saints Cyrus and John. Venerated in both the Eastern and Western traditions, these saints are especially invoked as healers of body and soul, protectors against illness, and defenders of the faith.

The reliquary is crafted in the form of a pyramid, a rare and symbolic design evoking both heavenly ascent and eternal stability. Within the glazed triangular window, the relics are solemnly enshrined, surrounded by precious stones, silver filigree, and fine devotional ornamentation.

Accompanying the reliquary is its original episcopal authentication document, issued in 1834 by Cardinal Placido Zurla, Vicar General of His Holiness the Pope. This document certifies the authenticity of the relics, confirming their provenance and sacred integrity.

Dimensions:

Height: 51 cm

Width: 31 cm

Thickness: 9 cm

Condition: The reliquary is preserved in remarkable original state, with intact episcopal seals and threads. The gilded wood retains its historical patina, and the relics remain untouched in their devotional setting.

Provenance: Private ecclesiastical collection.

A truly museum-quality devotional treasure, uniting artistry, sacred history, and authenticated relics of two of the Church’s most beloved saints.

Saints Cyrus and John of Alexandria – Holy Unmercenary Physicians and Martyrs

Saint Cyrus († c. 311) and Saint John are among the most venerated saints of the early Church, honored in both the Eastern and Western traditions as Holy Unmercenary Physicians (Anargyroi) and Martyrs of Christ.

Saint Cyrus, a native of Alexandria, was a renowned physician distinguished not only for his medical skill but also for his charity and humility. He practiced medicine without accepting payment, healing both bodies and souls, and using every encounter to bear witness to the Gospel of Christ. For this, he was revered as a doctor and healer in the spirit of Christian mercy.

Saint John was a soldier from Edessa in Mesopotamia. Having learned of Cyrus’ reputation as a physician and holy man, John sought him out, abandoned his military service, and became his companion in faith and healing ministry. Together, they ministered to the sick, the imprisoned, and the persecuted Christians of their time.

During the persecutions under the Emperor Diocletian, both saints were arrested. Despite brutal tortures, they remained steadfast in their confession of Christ. They were finally executed in Alexandria, sealing their testimony with the crown of martyrdom.

Veneration and Legacy

The Church honors them as patrons of the sick and the suffering, invoked especially for healing of illnesses and protection of children.

Their memory is celebrated on January 31st in the West, and on June 28th in the Byzantine tradition.

Countless miracles of healing have been attributed to their intercession at their shrines and through their relics.

Significance

Saints Cyrus and John embody the Christian ideal of medicine as a ministry of mercy. Their lives unite the art of healing with the witness of faith, making them enduring symbols of selfless service, compassion, and sanctity.

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