Sts. Cyril and Methodius
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”
Sts. Cyril and Methodius preached among the Slavs, created a written alphabet, and translated Christian worship and Scripture into Slavonic.
The story
The brothers later known as Cyril and Methodius were born in Thessalonica, a city where Greek and Slavic languages were both heard. Methodius, born around 815, served in imperial administration before entering a monastery. Cyril was born Constantine around 827. He studied in Constantinople, became a priest, and gained the title “the Philosopher” because of his learning. The brothers took part in earlier diplomatic and missionary work, including a mission to the Khazars.
In 862, Prince Rastislav of Great Moravia asked Byzantine Emperor Michael III for teachers who could explain Christianity in the language of his people. Cyril and Methodius were sent the following year. To translate biblical and liturgical texts, Cyril devised the Glagolitic alphabet, the earliest known alphabet made specifically for Slavonic. The brothers and their disciples translated portions of Scripture and the liturgy into Old Church Slavonic. Their use of the people's language made worship and instruction more accessible.
Some Frankish clergy opposed the Slavonic liturgy and disputed the brothers' authority. Cyril and Methodius traveled to Rome in 867. Pope Adrian II received them, approved their Slavonic books, and arranged for their disciples to be ordained. Constantine became a monk in Rome and took the name Cyril. He died there on February 14, 869, and was buried in the Basilica of St. Clement.
Methodius was consecrated a bishop and appointed papal legate and archbishop for the Slavic territories associated with Sirmium. His work met continued political and ecclesiastical resistance. German bishops imprisoned him from 870 until 873. Pope John VIII secured his release and later confirmed his ministry, while requiring fidelity to Roman teaching and discipline. Methodius died in 885, probably in Great Moravia. After his death, many disciples were expelled, but they carried the Slavonic mission into Bulgaria and other lands. Their work contributed greatly to the Christian cultures of Eastern Europe. Pope St. John Paul II named Cyril and Methodius co-patrons of Europe in 1980. Their February 14 celebration is a memorial in the General Roman Calendar.
What Cyril teaches
Sts. Cyril and Methodius show that the Gospel can take root in every language and culture without losing its truth. Their perseverance also reveals the importance of communion with the Church amid political and cultural conflict. Their mission fulfilled Christ's command in Mark 16:15.
Patronage
Europe, Slavic peoples, translators, Christian unity.
Prayer
God of all nations, you sent Sts. Cyril and Methodius to proclaim the Gospel among the Slavic peoples. Through their intercession, guide translators, missionaries, and all who work for Christian unity. Help the peoples of Europe remain faithful to Christ while honoring every language and culture. Amen.