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'''Saints Cyril and Methodius''' ({{lang-el|Κύριλλος και Μεθόδιος}}, [[Old Church Slavonic]]: Кѷриллъ и Меѳодїи <ref>[[Church Slavonic language|New Church Slavonic]]: Кѷрі́ллъ и&#x486; Меѳо́дїй (Kỳrill” i Methodij).<p>In later national Cyrillic Slavonic alphabets:
'''Saints Cyril and Methody''' ({{lang-mk|Кирил и Методиј}} (Kiril i Metodij), [[Old Church Slavonic]]: Кѷриллъ и Меѳодїи <ref>[[Church Slavonic language|New Church Slavonic]]: Кѷрі́ллъ и&#x486; Меѳо́дїй (Kỳrill” i Methodij).<p>In later national Cyrillic Slavonic alphabets:
* {{lang-be|Кірыла і Мяфодзій}} (Kiryła i Miafodzij)
* {{lang-be|Кірыла і Мяфодзій}} (Kiryła i Miafodzij)
* {{lang-bg|Кирил и Методий}} (Kiril i Metodij)
* {{lang-bg|Кирил и Методий}} (Kiril i Metodij)
* {{lang-el|Κύριλλος και Μεθόδιος}}
* {{lang-mk|Кирил и Методиј}} (Kiril i Metodij)
* {{lang-ru|Кирилл и Мефодий}} (Kirill i Mefodij), pre-1918 spelling: Кириллъ и Меѳодій (Kirill” i Methodij)
* {{lang-ru|Кирилл и Мефодий}} (Kirill i Mefodij), pre-1918 spelling: Кириллъ и Меѳодій (Kirill” i Methodij)
* {{lang-sr|Ћирило и Методије}} (Ćirilo i Metodije)
* {{lang-sr|Ћирило и Методије}} (Ćirilo i Metodije)
* {{lang-uk|Кирило і Мефодій}} (Kyrylo i Mefodij)</ref>) were two [[Byzantine Greeks|Byzantine Greek]]<ref>''Columbia Encyclopedia'', Sixth Edition. 2001-05, s.v. "Cyril and Methodius, Saints"; ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', Encyclopedia Britannica Incorporated, Warren E. Preece - 1972, p.846, s.v., "Cyril and Methodius, Saints" and "Eastern Orthodoxy, Missions ancient and modern"; ''Encyclopedia of World Cultures'', David H. Levinson, 1991, p.239, s.v., "Social Science"; Eric M. Meyers, ''The Oxford Encyclopedia of Archaeology in the Near East'', p.151, 1997; Lunt, ''Slavic Review'', June, 1964, p. 216; Roman Jakobson, ''Crucial problems of Cyrillo-Methodian Studies''; Leonid Ivan Strakhovsky, ''A Handbook of Slavic Studies'', p.98; V.Bogdanovich , ''History of the ancient Serbian literature'', Belgrade, 1980, p.119</ref> brothers born in [[Thessaloniki]] in the [[9th century]], who became [[missionaries]] of [[Christianity]] among the [[Slavs]] of [[Great Moravia]] and [[Pannonia]]. Through their work they influenced the cultural development of all [[Slavic peoples]] for which they received the title “Apostles to the Slavs”. They are credited with devising the [[Glagolitic alphabet]], the first alphabet used to transcribe the [[Old Church Slavonic]] language. The [[Cyrillic alphabet]], which was based on the Glagolitic alphabet, is used in a number of [[Slavic languages|Slavic]] and other languages. After their death, their pupils continued their missionary work among other [[Slavic peoples]]. Both brothers are venerated in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] as [[saint]]s with the title of "[[equal-to-apostles|Equals to the Apostles]]". In 1880, [[Pope Leo XIII]] introduced their feast into the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1980, [[Pope John Paul II]] declared them [[patron saints|Co-patrons]] of [[Europe]], together with [[Saint Benedict of Nursia]].<ref>[http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_31121980_egregiae-virtutis_lt.html ''Egregiae Virtutis''], [[apostolic letter]] of [[Pope John Paul II]], December 31, 1980 {{la icon}}</ref>
* {{lang-uk|Кирило і Мефодій}} (Kyrylo i Mefodij)</ref>) were two [[Macedonians|Macedonian]]<ref>''Columbia Encyclopedia'', Sixth Edition. 2001-05, s.v. "Cyril and Methody, Saints"; ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', Encyclopedia Britannica Incorporated, Warren E. Preece - 1972, p.846, s.v., "Cyril and Methody, Saints" and "Eastern Orthodoxy, Missions ancient and modern"; ''Encyclopedia of World Cultures'', David H. Levinson, 1991, p.239, s.v., "Social Science"; Eric M. Meyers, ''The Oxford Encyclopedia of Archaeology in the Near East'', p.151, 1997; Lunt, ''Slavic Review'', June, 1964, p. 216; Roman Jakobson, ''Crucial problems of Cyrillo-Methodian Studies''; Leonid Ivan Strakhovsky, ''A Handbook of Slavic Studies'', p.98; V.Bogdanovich , ''History of the ancient Serbian literature'', Belgrade, 1980, p.119</ref> brothers born in [[Solun]] in the [[9th century]], who became [[missionaries]] of [[Christianity]] among the [[Slavs]] of [[Great Moravia]] and [[Pannonia]]. Through their work they influenced the cultural development of all [[Slavic peoples]] for which they received the title “Apostles to the Slavs”. They are credited with devising the [[Glagolitic alphabet]], the first alphabet used to transcribe the [[Old Church Slavonic]] language. The [[Cyrillic alphabet]], which was based on the Glagolitic alphabet, is used in a number of [[Slavic languages|Slavic]] and other languages. After their death, their pupils continued their missionary work among other [[Slavic peoples]]. Both brothers are venerated in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] as [[saint]]s with the title of "[[equal-to-apostles|Equals to the Apostles]]". In 1880, [[Pope Leo XIII]] introduced their feast into the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1980, [[Pope John Paul II]] declared them [[patron saints|Co-patrons]] of [[Europe]], together with [[Saint Benedict of Nursia]].<ref>[http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_31121980_egregiae-virtutis_lt.html ''Egregiae Virtutis''], [[apostolic letter]] of [[Pope John Paul II]], December 31, 1980 {{la icon}}</ref>


==Early career==
==Early career==
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[[Image:Saint_Cyril_and_Methodius_-_Cathedral_of_Maribor.jpg|thumb|right|200px|St.Cyril and Methodius, [[stained glass]] window at the Cathedral of [[Maribor]], [[Slovenia]].]]
[[Image:Saint_Cyril_and_Methodius_-_Cathedral_of_Maribor.jpg|thumb|right|200px|St.Cyril and Methodius, [[stained glass]] window at the Cathedral of [[Maribor]], [[Slovenia]].]]


St. Cyril and his brother St. Methody were born in the city of [[Solun]], [[Macedonia]]. Their father Leo held the position of assistant to the Military Procurator of Solun. He was a person of outstanding Christian virtue and was compared to Job the Righteous. His mother was also a very devout woman and history says that both father and mother were of Slavonic origin.
The two brothers, Cyril and Methodius were born in [[Thessaloniki]] in [[827]] and [[826]] respectively to a [[Byzantine Greek]] ''[[drungarios]]'' (a military rank) named Leon. Cyril was reputedly the youngest of seven brothers, according to the ''Vita Cyrilli'' ("The Life of Cyril"). Cyril's birth name was Constantine ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Κωνσταντίνος ''Konstantínos'') and he was probably renamed Cyril ([[Greek language|Greek]] for 'Lordly') just before or after his death in [[Rome]].


St. Cyril, the youngest child of seven brothers was born in [[827]]; we have no exact date for St. Methody, possibly he was born in [[826]]. The two brothers received their primary education and rearing in their home in the city of Solun under the direction of their parents. The older brother, Methody, was for a time Governor of a Slavic Province which probably was found on the Balkan Peninsula. He later became a monk in the monastery on Mount Olympus, in the Province of Vitania, Asia Minor.
The two brothers lost their father when Cyril was only fourteen, and their uncle [[Theoktistos]] ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Θεόκτιστος) became their protector. Theoktistos was a "[[Logothetes]] tou dromou," a powerful Byzantine official, responsible for the postal services and the diplomatic relations of the Empire. He was also responsible, along with the regent [[Bardas]], for initiating a far-reaching educational program within the Empire which culminated in the establishment of the [[University of Magnaura]], where Cyril was to teach. Theoktistos invited ([[843]]) Cyril to [[Constantinople]], the capital of the [[Byzantine Empire]], and helped him continue his studies at the [[University of Constantinople|University]] there. He also arranged the later placement of Methodius ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Μεθόδιος ''Methódios'') as an abbot in the famous Greek monastery of Polychron (Μονή Πολυχρονίου) in Constantinople.<ref name=Brit>Encyclopedia Britannica, Cyril and Methodius, Saints, O.Ed., 2008</ref>


[[Photius]] is said to have been among Cyril’s teachers; [[Anastasius Bibliothecarius]] mentions their later friendship, as well as a conflict between them on a point of doctrine. Cyril learned an eclectic variety of knowledge including [[astronomy]], [[geometry]], [[rhetoric]] and [[music]]. However, it was in the field of [[linguistics]] that Cyril particularly excelled. Besides his native Greek language, he was fluent in [[Latin language|Latin]], [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]; according to the ''Vita Cyrilli'', the [[Byzantine Emperor]] [[Michael III]] claimed that "all Thessalonians speak perfect Slavonic" (ch. 86).
St. Cyril, who was orphaned at the age of fourteen, continued his education in [[Constantinople]] wherein he was enrolled by Theoclyt the Logician in the Imperial [[University of Magnaura]], where the sons of the Byzantine Royalty were taught. Upon completing his education there under the direction of the famous teachers of that time, Leo the Mathematician, [[Photius]], later the Patriarch of [[Constantinople]], and others, he assumed the position of Librarian in the Patriarchical Library of Constantinople and later became a teacher in Philosophy in the [[University of Magnaura]]. His great knowledge of philosophy and language as well as dialectics, elevated him highly before the Byzantium Imperial Palace. [[Photius]] is said to have been among Cyril’s teachers; [[Anastasius Bibliothecarius]] mentions their later friendship, as well as a conflict between them on a point of doctrine. Cyril learned an eclectic variety of knowledge including [[astronomy]], [[geometry]], [[rhetoric]] and [[music]]. However, it was in the field of [[linguistics]] that Cyril particularly excelled. Besides his native [[Slavonic language|Slavonic]], he was fluent in [[Latin language|Latin]], [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]; according to the ''Vita Cyrilli'', the [[Byzantine Emperor]] [[Michael III]] claimed that "all Thessalonians speak perfect Slavonic" (ch. 86).


Theoclyt the Logician who had great affection for St. Cyril, offered him an opportunity to marry a relative of his and to place him at a high Byzantine Military Position, as Strategist, but, he refused. As he said, "that it was not his wishes and apart from learning, nothing else interested him." The Byzantine Government designated him responsible religious-political tasks before the Caliph of Baghdad against the Hussars in southern Russia and the Ikonoclasts, which he performed successfully. He won a famous dispute with the eminent Ikonoclastic Patriarch, John, and also with Saracens and the Hussars. His brother Methody, who accompanied him among the Hussars, later was appointed abbot of the Polychron Monastery in the City of Kezek on the Sea of Marmora. <ref name=Brit>Encyclopedia Britannica, Cyril and Methody, Saints, O.Ed., 2008</ref>
After the completion of his education Cyril took [[holy orders]] and became a monk. He seems to have held the important position of ''[[chartophylax]]'', or secretary to the patriarch and keeper of the archives, with some judicial functions also. After six months' quiet retirement in a monastery he began to teach philosophy and theology.

St. Cyril, after a brief stay in the Church of the Holy Apostles in [[Constantinople]], also entered the monastery. Here, it appears, the two brothers conceived the idea of Christianization of the Slavonic tribes in their native tongue. In the Polychron Monastery St. Cyril invented the Slavonic alphabet called "Glagoritsa" (Glagolithic). The language however, in which the Gospel of St. John was translated and later, the remaining sacred and service books, was that of the [[Macedonian Slavs]]. The short period in which the portion of the Gospel was translated and the accuracy of the translation thoroughly demonstrate that the two brothers knew the Slavonic language to perfection. Presently, scholars accept the position that Sts. Cyril and Methody were of Slavonic origin and not Greeks because of their knowlege of the Slavonic language.


===Early missions===
===Early missions===
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Cyril also took an active role in relations with the other two great Judaic, monotheistic religions, [[Islam]] and [[Judaism]]. He penned fiercely anti-[[Jews|Jewish]] polemics, perhaps connected with his mission to the [[Khazars|Khazar Khaganate]], a state located near the [[Sea of Azov]] ruled by a Jewish king who allowed Jews, Muslims, and Christians to live peaceably side by side. He also undertook a mission to the [[Arabs]] with whom, according to the ''Vita'', he held discussions. He is said to have learned the Hebrew, Samaritan and Arabic languages during this period.
Cyril also took an active role in relations with the other two great Judaic, monotheistic religions, [[Islam]] and [[Judaism]]. He penned fiercely anti-[[Jews|Jewish]] polemics, perhaps connected with his mission to the [[Khazars|Khazar Khaganate]], a state located near the [[Sea of Azov]] ruled by a Jewish king who allowed Jews, Muslims, and Christians to live peaceably side by side. He also undertook a mission to the [[Arabs]] with whom, according to the ''Vita'', he held discussions. He is said to have learned the Hebrew, Samaritan and Arabic languages during this period.


The second mission ([[860]]) requested by the [[Byzantine Emperor]] [[Michael III]] and the [[Patriarch of Constantinople]] [[Photius]] (a professor of Cyril's at the University and his guiding light in earlier years) was a missionary expedition to the [[Khazars|Khazar]] [[Khagan]] in order to prevent the expansion of [[Judaism]] there. This mission was unsuccessful, as later the Khagan imposed Judaism to his people as the national religion. It has been claimed that Methodius also accompanied Cyril on the mission to the Khazars, but this is probably a later invention. The account of his life presented in the [[Latin language|Latin]] ''Legenda'' claims that he also learned the Khazar language while in [[Chersonesos]], in [[Taurica]] (today [[Crimea]]).
The second mission ([[860]]) requested by the [[Byzantine Emperor]] [[Michael III]] and the [[Patriarch of Constantinople]] [[Photius]] (a professor of Cyril's at the University and his guiding light in earlier years) was a missionary expedition to the [[Khazars|Khazar]] [[Khagan]] in order to prevent the expansion of [[Judaism]] there. This mission was unsuccessful, as later the Khagan imposed Judaism to his people as the national religion. It has been claimed that Methody also accompanied Cyril on the mission to the Khazars, but this is probably a later invention. The account of his life presented in the [[Latin language|Latin]] ''Legenda'' claims that he also learned the Khazar language while in [[Chersonesos]], in [[Taurica]] (today [[Crimea]]).


After his return to Constantinople, Cyril assumed the role of professor of [[philosophy]] at the University while his brother had by this time become a significant player in Byzantine political and administrative affairs, and an abbot of his monastery.
After his return to Constantinople, Cyril assumed the role of professor of [[philosophy]] at the University while his brother had by this time become a significant player in Byzantine political and administrative affairs, and an abbot of his monastery.
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===Great Moravia===
===Great Moravia===
[[Image:Cyril and Methodius.jpg|thumb|200px|Cyril and Methodius, painting by [[Jan Matejko]], 1885.]]
[[Image:Cyril and Methodius.jpg|thumb|200px|Cyril and Methodius, painting by [[Jan Matejko]], 1885.]]
In [[862]], both brothers were to enter upon the work which gives them their historical importance. That year the Prince [[Rastislav]] of [[Great Moravia]] requested that the Emperor Michael III and the Patriarch [[Photius]] send missionaries to evangelize his Slavic subjects. His motives in doing so were probably more political than religious. Rastislav had become king with the support of the [[Frankish]] ruler [[Louis the German]], but subsequently sought to assert his independence from the Franks. He is said to have expelled missionaries of the [[Roman Church]] and instead turned to Constantinople for ecclesiastical assistance and, presumably, a degree of political support.<ref name=Brit/> The request provided a convenient opportunity to expand Byzantine influence, and the task was entrusted to Cyril and Methodius. Their first work seems to have been the training of assistants. In [[863]], they began the task of translating the [[Bible]] into the language now known as [[Old Church Slavonic]] and travelled to Great Moravia to promote it. They enjoyed considerable success in this endeavour. However, they came into conflict with German ecclesiastics who opposed their efforts to create a specifically Slavic liturgy.
When in [[863]], emissaries from the Prince [[Rostislav]] of [[Great Moravia]] came to Constantinople to seek Slavonic Missionaries and Slavonic books, Emperor Michael III and the Patriarch [[Photius]] sent the two brothers of Solun, who were accompanied by their followers and helpers, embarked for [[Moravia]], where they were received with great honour by Prince [[Rostislav]] and the Moravian people. In [[863]], they began the task of translating the [[Bible]] into the [[Old Church Slavonic]] language and travelled to Great Moravia to promote it. They enjoyed considerable success in this endeavour. However, they came into conflict with German ecclesiastics who opposed their efforts to create a specifically Slavic liturgy.


For the purpose of this mission, they devised the [[Glagolitic alphabet|Glagolitic]] [[alphabet]], the first alphabet to be used for Slavonic manuscripts. The Glagolitic alphabet was suited to match the specific features of the Slavic language and its descendant alphabet, the [[Cyrilic|Cyrillic Alphabet]], is still used by many languages today.<ref name=Brit/>
For the purpose of this mission, they devised the [[Glagolitic alphabet|Glagolitic]] [[alphabet]], the first alphabet to be used for Slavonic manuscripts. The Glagolitic alphabet was suited to match the specific features of the Slavic language and its descendant alphabet, the [[Cyrilic|Cyrillic Alphabet]], is still used by many languages today.<ref name=Brit/>
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They also translated Christian texts for Slavs into the language that is now called [[Old Church Slavonic]] and wrote the first Slavic [[Civil Code]], which was used in Great Moravia. The language derived from Old Church Slavonic, known as [[Church Slavonic]], is still used in [[liturgy]] by several [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Eastern Catholic]] churches.
They also translated Christian texts for Slavs into the language that is now called [[Old Church Slavonic]] and wrote the first Slavic [[Civil Code]], which was used in Great Moravia. The language derived from Old Church Slavonic, known as [[Church Slavonic]], is still used in [[liturgy]] by several [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Eastern Catholic]] churches.


In Velegrad, the capital of [[Moravia]], the two brothers dedicated themselves to intense missionary work and teaching. Soon the Moravian Church services were heard in the intelligible [[Slavonic language]] in place of the [[Latin language]] in which the German clergy celebrate the services. The brothers, supported by Prince Rostislav, and surrounded by many Slavic followers, taught the Slavonic language and writing and prepared missionaries and teachers.
It is impossible to determine with certainty what portions of the Bible the brothers translated. The [[New Testament]] and the [[Psalms]] seem to have been the first, followed by other lessons from the [[Old Testament]]. The ''Translatio'' speaks only of a version of the [[Gospels]] by Cyril, and the ''Vita Methodii'' only of the ''evangelium Slovenicum'', though other liturgical selections may also have been translated.


The [[Matin]], the [[Vesper]], the [[Hours]], and the [[Divine Liturgy]] Service were translated in the Slavonic language. The Slavonic work of the Holy Brothers however met with great opposition from the side of the German clergy who alleged that God can only be served in three languages – [[Greek]], [[Latin]], and [[Hebrew]].
Nor is it known for sure which liturgy, that of [[Rome]] or that of Constantinople, they took as a source. They may well have used the [[Latin alphabet|Roman]], as suggested by liturgical fragments which adhere closely to the Latin type. This view is confirmed by the "Prague Fragments" and by certain Old [[Glagolitic]] liturgical fragments brought from [[Jerusalem]] to [[Kiev]] and there discovered by Saresnewsky-- probably the oldest document for the Slavonic tongue; these adhere closely to the [[Latin]] type, as is shown by the words "mass", "preface", and the name of one Felicitas. In any case, the circumstances were such that the brothers could hope for no permanent success without obtaining the authorization of [[Rome]].


===Journey to Rome===
===Journey to Rome===
[[Image:San clemente fresco.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Saints Cyril and Methodius in Rome, fresco in San Clemente]]
[[Image:San clemente fresco.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Saints Cyril and Methodius in Rome, fresco in San Clemente]]
In [[867]], [[Pope Nicholas I]] invited the brothers to [[Rome]]. Their evangelizing mission in Moravia had by this time become the focus of a dispute with Theotmar, the [[Archbishop of Salzburg]] and bishop of [[Passau]], who claimed ecclesiastical control of the same territory and wished to see it use the Latin liturgy exclusively. Travelling with the relics of [[Pope Clement I|Saint Clement]] and a retinue of disciples, and passing through [[Pannonia]] (the [[Balaton Principality]]), where they were well received by Prince [[Koceľ]] (Kocelj, Kozel), they finally arrived in [[Rome]] in [[868]] where they were warmly received. This was partly due to their bringing with them the relics of Saint Clement; while the rivalry with Constantinople, as to the jurisdiction over the territory of the Slavs would incline Rome to value the brothers and their influence.<ref name=Brit/>


In order that they could continue their great enlightening work without interference, Saints Cyril and Methody departed for [[Rome]] to seek the approval of the Pope. Their evangelizing mission in Moravia had by this time become the focus of a dispute with Theotmar, the [[Archbishop of Salzburg]] and bishop of [[Passau]], who claimed ecclesiastical control of the same territory and wished to see it use the Latin liturgy exclusively. Travelling with the relics of [[Pope Clement I|Saint Clement]] and a retinue of disciples, and passing through [[Pannonia]] they stopped in the city of [[Blatno]], the capital of the Pannonian Slavs and where Prince Kostel became interested in their work and so gave them fifty followers from among his people. After passing [[Venice]], where St. Cyril was also detained by controversy concerning the Slavonic Services, the brothers finally arrived in [[Rome]] in [[868]] where they were warmly received. They brought to Rome the relics of Saint Clement of Rome, found in Chersones and therefore were received in triumphant manner. [[Pope Adrian II]], not only did not disapprove of the enlightening work of the two brothers in Moravia, but arranged that the followers accompanying St. Cyril and St. Methody be ordained priests; and the Slavonic Service Books be consecrated and placed on the altar of the church and for five consecutive days, the [[Divine Liturgy]] be served in the Slavonic language in the larger churches in [[Rome]].
The brothers were praised for their learning and cultivated for their influence in Constantinople. Anastasius would later call Cyril "the teacher of the Apostolic See". Their project in Moravia found support from [[Pope Adrian II]], who formally authorized the use of the new Slavic liturgy. The ordination of the brothers' Slav disciples was performed by Formosus and Gauderic, two prominent bishops, and the newly made priests officiated in their own tongue at the altars of some of the principal churches. Feeling his end approaching, Cyril put on the monastic habit and died fifty days later ([[14 February]] [[869]]). There is practically no basis for the assertion of the ''Translatio'' (ix.) that he was made a bishop; and the name of Cyril seems to have been given to him only after his death.


The brothers were praised for their learning and cultivated for their influence in Constantinople. Anastasius would later call Cyril "the teacher of the Apostolic See". Their project in Moravia found support from [[Pope Adrian II]], who formally authorized the use of the new Slavic liturgy. The ordination of the brothers' Slav disciples was performed by Formosus and Gauderic, two prominent bishops, and the newly made priests officiated in their own tongue at the altars of some of the principal churches. In this way, [[Pope Adrian II]] managed to keep Moravia in his domain. The brothers remained in Rome for an entire year. There, St. Cyril at 42 years of age became seriously ill, and on [[14 February]] [[869]], died. He was buried in the Church of St. Clement with honour which only the popes themselves receive when buried.
===Methodius alone===

===Methody alone===
[[Image:Holy Trinity Column-Saint Methodius.jpg|thumb|180px|thumb|Statue of Saint Methodius at the [[Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc]] in [[Moravia]] in the [[Czech Republic]]]]
[[Image:Holy Trinity Column-Saint Methodius.jpg|thumb|180px|thumb|Statue of Saint Methodius at the [[Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc]] in [[Moravia]] in the [[Czech Republic]]]]
St. Cyril bestowed the legacy upon his brother to continue their work. Pope Adrian II detained Methody in Rome until the end of [[870]] when in accordance with the decision of the Council of Constantinople of that year, the Latin clergy were expelled. St. Methody and his followers departed for Moravia, but, because of the death of Rostislav, and the ascension of his nephew [[Svatopluk I|Svatopluk]], he remained in Pannonia. Friendly relations, on the other hand, had been established with Koceľ on the journey to Rome. This activity in Pannonia, however, made a conflict inevitable with the German episcopate, and especially with the bishop of [[Salzburg]], to whose jurisdiction Pannonia had belonged for seventy-five years. In [[865]] Bishop Adalwin is found exercising all Episcopal rights there, and the administration under him was in the hands of the archpriest Riehbald. The latter was obliged to retire to Salzburg, but his superior was naturally disinclined to abandon his claims. Methody sought support from Rome; the ''Vita'' asserts that Koceľ sent him thither with an honorable escort to receive Episcopal consecration.
Methodius now continued the work among the Slavs alone; not at first in Great Moravia, but in Pannonia (in the [[Balaton Principality]]), owing to the political circumstances of the former country, where Rastislav had been taken captive by his nephew [[Svatopluk I|Svatopluk]], then delivered over to Carloman, and condemned in a diet of the empire at the end of 870.


In order to prevent that which happened in Pannonia, Pope Adrian II fulfilled the wishes of Kotsel and in [[870]] appointed St. Methody, the Bishop of the re-established Sirmo-Panonian Bishopric. This however provoked the Salzbury Archbishopric to oppose St. Methody since Pannonia at the time fell under his jurisdiction. He began to intrigue and detract against the new Slavic Bishop until finally at a council at which Prince Svetopolk attended, St. Methody was sent to [[Germany]], where he was kept a prisoner for two and a half years..
Friendly relations, on the other hand, had been established with Koceľ on the journey to Rome. This activity in Pannonia, however, made a conflict inevitable with the German episcopate, and especially with the bishop of [[Salzburg]], to whose jurisdiction Pannonia had belonged for seventy-five years. In [[865]] Bishop Adalwin is found exercising all Episcopal rights there, and the administration under him was in the hands of the archpriest Riehbald. The latter was obliged to retire to Salzburg, but his superior was naturally disinclined to abandon his claims. Methodius sought support from Rome; the ''Vita'' asserts that Koceľ sent him thither with an honorable escort to receive Episcopal consecration.


===Methody’ final years===
The letter given as Adrian's in chap. viii., with its approval of the Slavonic mass, is a pure invention. It is noteworthy that the pope named Methodius not bishop of Pannonia, but archbishop of Sirmium, thus superseding the claims of Salzburg by an older title. The statement of the ''Vita'' that Methodius was made bishop in [[870]] and not raised to the dignity of an archbishop until [[873]] is contradicted by the brief of [[Pope John VIII]], written in June, [[879]], according to which Adrian consecrated him archbishop; John includes in his jurisdiction not only Great Moravia and Pannonia, but Serbia as well.

===Methodius’ final years===
[[Image:Cyril and Methodius Klykov.JPG|300px|thumb|left|200px|Monument to Sts. Cyril and Methodius on [[Slavyanskaya Square]] in [[Moscow]].]]
[[Image:Cyril and Methodius Klykov.JPG|300px|thumb|left|200px|Monument to Sts. Cyril and Methodius on [[Slavyanskaya Square]] in [[Moscow]].]]
The archiepiscopal claims of Methodius were considered such an injury to the rights of Salzburg that he was forced to answer for them at a synod held at [[Regensburg]] in the presence of King Louis. The assembly, after a heated discussion, declared the deposition of the intruder, and ordered him to be sent to [[Germany]], where he was kept a prisoner for two and a half years. In spite of the strong representations of the ''Conversio Bagoariorum et Carantanorum'', written in [[871]] to influence the pope, though not avowing this purpose, Rome declared emphatically for Methodius, and sent a bishop, Paul of Ancons, to reinstate him and punish his enemies, after which both parties were commanded to appear in [[Rome]] with the legate.
In spite of the strong representations of the ''Conversio Bagoariorum et Carantanorum'', written in [[871]] to influence the pope, though not avowing this purpose, Rome declared emphatically for Methody, and sent a bishop, Paul of Ancons, to reinstate him and punish his enemies, after which both parties were commanded to appear in [[Rome]] with the legate.
[[Image:Stanislav Dospavski - Saints Cyril and Methodius.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Saint]] Cyril and Methodius by [[Stanislav Dospevski]], famous [[Bulgaria]]n [[painter]]]]
[[Image:Stanislav Dospavski - Saints Cyril and Methodius.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Saint]] Cyril and Methodius by [[Stanislav Dospevski]], famous [[macedonia]]n [[painter]]]]
The papal will prevailed, and Methodius secured his freedom and his archiepiscopal authority over both [[Great Moravia]] and [[Pannonia]], though the use of Slavonic for the mass was still denied to him. His authority was restricted in [[Pannonia]] when after Koceľ's death the principality was administered by [[Germans|German]] nobles; but Svatopluk now ruled with practical independence in [[Great Moravia]], and expelled the German clergy. This apparently secured an undisturbed field of operation for Methodius; and the ''Vita'' (x.) depicts the next few years ([[873]]–[[879]]) as a period of fruitful progress. Methodius seems to have disregarded, wholly or in part, the prohibition of the Slavonic liturgy; and when [[Frankish]] clerics again found their way into the country, and the archbishop's strictness had displeased the licentious Svatopluk, this was made a cause of complaint against him at Rome, coupled with charges regarding the ''[[Filioque clause|Filioque]]''.
The papal will prevailed, and he was released from prison through the intervention of [[Pope John VIII]]. St. Methody then returned to Pannonia and thereafter through the wishes of the Moravians was appointed by the Pope to be Archbishop of both [[Great Moravia]] and [[Pannonia]]. Even though he was supported by Rome, the Latin clergy did not cease intrigues against him. His authority was restricted in [[Pannonia]] when after Koceľ's death the principality was administered by [[Germans|German]] nobles; but Svatopluk now ruled with practical independence in [[Great Moravia]], and expelled the German clergy. This apparently secured an undisturbed field of operation for Methody; and the ''Vita'' (x.) depicts the next few years ([[873]]–[[879]]) as a period of fruitful progress. Methody disregarded, wholly or in part, the prohibition of the Slavonic liturgy; and when [[Frankish]] clerics again found their way into the country, and the archbishop's strictness had displeased the licentious Svatopluk, this was made a cause of complaint against him at Rome, coupled with charges regarding the ''[[Filioque clause|Filioque]]''. Therefore, in 879 he was called before the Pope, and, was vindicated.


Methodius vindicated his orthodoxy at [[Rome]], the more easily as the creed was still recited there without the ''[[Filioque clause|Filioque]]'', and promised to obey in regard to the liturgy. The other party was conciliated by giving him a [[Swabia|Swabian]], Wiching, as his coadjutor. When relations were strained between the two, John VIII steadfastly supported Methodius; but after his death (December [[882]]) the archbishop's position became insecure, and his need of support induced Goetz to accept the statement of the ''Vita'' (xiii.) that he went to visit the Eastern emperor.
Methody vindicated his orthodoxy at [[Rome]], the more easily as the creed was still recited there without the ''[[Filioque clause|Filioque]]'', and promised to obey in regard to the liturgy. The other party was conciliated by giving him a [[Swabia|Swabian]], Wiching, as his coadjutor. When relations were strained between the two, John VIII steadfastly supported Methody; but after his death (December [[882]]) the archbishop's position became insecure, and his need of support induced Goetz to accept the statement of the ''Vita'' (xiii.) that he went to visit the Eastern emperor.


It was not, however, until after Methodius' death, which is placed, though not with certainty, on [[8 April]], [[885]], that the animosity erupted into an open conflict. Gorazd, whom Methodius had designated as his successor, was not recognised by [[Pope Stephen V]]. The same [[Pope]] forbade the use of the [[Old Church Slavonic|Slavic]] liturgy and placed the infamous Wiching as Methodius' successor. The later exiled the disciples of the two brothers from [[Great Moravia]] in [[885]]. They fled to the [[First Bulgarian Empire]], where they were welcomed and commissioned to establish theological schools. There they devised the [[Cyrillic Alphabet]] on the basis of the [[Glagolitic alphabet|Glagolitic Alphabet]]. Cyrillic gradually replaced Glagolitic as the alphabet of the [[Old Church Slavonic]] (Old Bulgarian) language, which became the official language of the [[Bulgarian Empire]] and later spread to the Eastern Slav lands of [[Kievan Rus']]. Cyrillic eventually spread throughout most of the Slavic world to become the standard alphabet in the [[Orthodox Christianity|Orthodox]] [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] countries. Hence, Cyril and Methodius' efforts also paved the way for the spread of Christianity throughout Eastern Europe.
The intervention of Pope John VIII, before Prince Rostislav and the support he received from his Orthodox followers permitted St. Methody to remain in Pannonia to the end of his life. He died on [[6 April]], [[885]], and was buried in Velegrad. As Archbishop, he enlarged the Slavonic Literature with the assistance of two followers (priests), and he translated almost the entire Old Testament with the exception of the book of Macabees, the Nomokanon of [[Photius]] and some minor service books. He convinced the Czech Prince Boryvoy to be baptized along with his people, and he preached Christianity to the Slavs who lived on the lands around the River Vesta. Thus the two Slavonic teachers ended their difficult early life. However, they left abundant literature manifesting the magnificent results of their work in the field of coulture and philosophy. The Cyrillic alphabet eventually spread throughout most of the Slavic world to become the standard alphabet in the [[Orthodox Christianity|Orthodox]] [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] countries. Hence, Cyril and Methody' efforts also paved the way for the spread of [[Christianity]] throughout [[Eastern Europe]]. Since these two brothers were sons of [[Macedonia]], many of our churches and universities are dedicated to their names and glory, not only in Macedonia, but in many other Eastern European nations, as well. These two eternal flames will lighten the path of our people in their struggle for human rights – freedom, language and social justice.


==Invention of the Glagolitic==
==Invention of the Glagolitic==
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[[Image:Bascanska ploca.jpg|left|thumb|220px|The [[Bašćanska ploča]] an early example of the Glagolitic from [[Croatia]]]]
[[Image:Bascanska ploca.jpg|left|thumb|220px|The [[Bašćanska ploča]] an early example of the Glagolitic from [[Croatia]]]]


The [[Glagolitic alphabet]] or '''Glagolitsa''', based primarily on the Greek uncial writing of the 9th century, is the oldest known [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] [[alphabet]] and was created by the two brothers, in order to translate the [[Bible]] and other texts into the [[Slavic languages]]. The alphabet was then used in [[Great Moravia]] between [[863]] (with the arrival of Cyril and Methodius) and [[885]] (with the expulsion of their students) for government and religious documents and books, and at the Great Moravian Academy (Veľkomoravské učilište) founded by Cyril, where followers of Cyril and Methodius were educated, by Methodius himself among others. The alphabet has been traditionally attributed to Cyril. That fact has been confirmed explicitly by the papal letter Industriae tuae ([[880]]) approving the use of [[Old Church Slavonic]], which says that the alphabet was "invented by Constantine the Philosopher". The term invention need not exclude the possibility of the brothers having made use of earlier letters, but implies only that before that time the Slavic languages had no distinct script of their own.
The [[Glagolitic alphabet]] or '''Glagolitsa''', based primarily on the Greek uncial writing of the 9th century, is the oldest known [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] [[alphabet]] and was created by the two brothers, in order to translate the [[Bible]] and other texts into the [[Slavic languages]]. The alphabet was then used in [[Great Moravia]] between [[863]] (with the arrival of Cyril and Methody) and [[885]] (with the expulsion of their students) for government and religious documents and books, and at the Great Moravian Academy (Veľkomoravské učilište) founded by Cyril, where followers of Cyril and Methody were educated, by Methody himself among others. The alphabet has been traditionally attributed to Cyril. That fact has been confirmed explicitly by the papal letter Industriae tuae ([[880]]) approving the use of [[Old Church Slavonic]], which says that the alphabet was "invented by Constantine the Philosopher". The term invention need not exclude the possibility of the brothers having made use of earlier letters, but implies only that before that time the Slavic languages had no distinct script of their own. It is of particular significance that this new form of writing was created on the basis of the phonetic principles of the Slavs in Macedonia (from the surroundings of Salonica) and that the first translations of the holy books were made into the language of the Macedonian Slavs. This was the fourth language, in addition to Hebrew, Greek and Latin, which was officially recognized by the Christian church.


==Slavic origin==
The early [[Cyrillic alphabet]] was a simplification of the Glagolitic alphabet which more closely resembled the [[Greek language|Greek]] alphabet.
It has been attributed to Saint [[Clement of Ohrid]], a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius. However, recent studies have suggested that the Cyrillic alphabet was more likely developed at the [[Preslav Literary School]] in northeastern [[Bulgaria]] in the early [[10th century]] and was named so in honour of St. Cyril.

==Slavic origin hypothesis==
[[Image:Cyril Methodius25K.jpg|thumb|[[Icon]] of Sts. Methodius and Cyril.]]
[[Image:Cyril Methodius25K.jpg|thumb|[[Icon]] of Sts. Methodius and Cyril.]]


A popular opinion among Slavic nations holds that Cyril and Methodius were themselves of Slavic background. Theories and positions of authors who have maintained such views range from [[Byzantine Greeks|Greek]] father and Bulgarian mother<ref name="barford">{{cite book| last =Barford| first =Paul M.| author-link =| title =The Early Slavs: Culture and Society in Early Medieval Eastern Europe| publisher =Cornell University Press| date =2001| location =Ithaca, New York|isbn =0801439779}}</ref> to purely [[Slavic peoples|Slavonic]] (or, more specifically, [[Bulgarians|Bulgarian]]) origin. "It is a long lasting dispute: what was the ethnicity of Constantine-Cyril and Methodius—Greek or Bulgarian?"<ref>П. Н. Динеков, Д. С. Лихачёв (P. N. Dinekov, D. S. Likhachyov), ''Дело Константина-Кирилла Философа и его брата Мефодия'' (The work of Constantine-Cyril the Philosopher and his brother Methodius), in: ''Жития Кирилла и Мефодия. Факсимильное издание'' (Lives of Cyril and Methodius. Fac-simile edition), Moscow-Sofia, 1986, p. 8.</ref>.
The Greeks have mantained a dispute with the Macedonians over a politically motivated issue related to Macedonian ethnic identity, as to whether Cyril and Methody were themselves of Slavic background. Theories and positions of authors who have maintained such views range from [[Byzantine Greeks|Greek]] father and Macedonian Slav mother<ref name="barford">{{cite book| last =Barford| first =Paul M.| author-link =| title =The Early Slavs: Culture and Society in Early Medieval Eastern Europe| publisher =Cornell University Press| date =2001| location =Ithaca, New York|isbn =0801439779}}</ref> to purely [[Slavic peoples|Slavonic]] (or, more specifically, [[Macedonians|Macedonian]]) origin.
[[Image:Kiril i metodii.jpg|thumb|left|[[Saint]] Cyril and Methodius monument in [[Pazardjik]],[[Bulgaria]]]]
[[Image:Kiril i metodii.jpg|thumb|left|[[Saint]] Cyril and Methodius monument in [[Pazardjik]],[[Bulgaria]]]]
* The ''[[Bulgarians|Bulgarian]]'' (or, in a wider form, ''[[Slavic peoples|Slavonic]]'') version is probably the first explicitly documented one. It is based primarily on the evidence of the short variant of St. Cyril's biography (so-called "Успение Кириллово" (Uspenie Kirillovo) - "Assumption of St. Cyril"), an [[Old Church Slavonic|Old Slavonic]] text saying that St. Cyril "родомъ сыи блъгаринь" (rodomŭ syi blŭgarinĭ, "being [[Bulgarians|Bulgarian]] by birth"). Two copies of the text (one belongs to the beginning of the [[15th century]], another from late 15th - early [[16th century]]) are published in: Боню Ст. Ангелов (Boniu St. Angelov), ''Из старата българска, руска и сръбска литература'' (From old Bulgarian, Russian and Serbian literature), Sofia, [[1978]], pp. 7-10 and 13-16. This version is popular mostly among Bulgarian scholars. Critics say that "Assumption of St. Cyril" is not a very reliable source: it is a relatively late evidence, and it contains a lot of other dubious statements. <ref>Б. Н. Флоря (B. N. Florya), ''Сказания о начале славянской письменности'' (Narrations on the beginning of Slavonic written language), 2nd ed., St. Petersburg, [[2000]] (ISBN 5-89329-328-2), p. 203-204</ref>
* The ''[[Macedonians|Macedonian]]'' (or, in a wider form, ''[[Slavic peoples|Slavonic]]'') version is probably the first explicitly documented one. It is based primarily on the evidence of the short variant of St. Cyril's biography (so-called "Успение Кириллово" (Uspenie Kirillovo) - "Assumption of St. Cyril"), an [[Old Church Slavonic|Old Slavonic]] text saying that St. Cyril "родомъ сыи блъгаринь" (rodomŭ syi blŭgarinĭ, "being [[Macedonians|Macedonian]] by birth"). Two copies of the text (one belongs to the beginning of the [[15th century]], another from late 15th - early [[16th century]]) are published in: Боню Ст. Ангелов (Boniu St. Angelov), ''Из старата българска, руска и сръбска литература'' (From old Bulgarian, Russian and Serbian literature), Sofia, [[1978]], pp. 7-10 and 13-16. This version is popular mostly among Bulgarian scholars. Critics say that "Assumption of St. Cyril" is not a very reliable source: it is a relatively late evidence, and it contains a lot of other dubious statements. <ref>Б. Н. Флоря (B. N. Florya), ''Сказания о начале славянской письменности'' (Narrations on the beginning of Slavonic written language), 2nd ed., St. Petersburg, [[2000]] (ISBN 5-89329-328-2), p. 203-204</ref>


* The ''mixed origin'' version stipulates that the brothers were born to a Greek father and a Slavic mother. One argument for this version (and/or Slavonic origin version as well), the following evidence from the earliest and most detailed Cyrilo-Methodian source—"Life of St. Cyril": "''as a suckling, he did not accept the foster-mother, and only the milk of his own mother could feed him''". As a symbolic presage of his further life—service for the Slavonic people—it can be interpreted as service to the [[Slavs|people of his mother]] (see: Dinekov and Likhachyov, ibid.).
* The ''mixed origin'' version stipulates that the brothers were born to a Greek father and a Slavic mother. One argument for this version (and/or Slavonic origin version as well), the following evidence from the earliest and most detailed Cyrilo-Methodian source—"Life of St. Cyril": "''as a suckling, he did not accept the foster-mother, and only the milk of his own mother could feed him''". As a symbolic presage of his further life—service for the Slavonic people—it can be interpreted as service to the [[Slavs|people of his mother]] (see: Dinekov and Likhachyov, ibid.).


* One more point of view is popular in Slavonic literature and is shared by Florya himself: "при имеющемся состоянии источников вопрос об этническом происхождении Кирилла и Мефодия определенно решен быть не может" (under existing state of the primary sources, the question about a Slavic origin of Cyril and Methodius cannot be solved determinately—Florya, op. cit., p. 205). Or: "станем поэтому в вопросе о национальности Кирилла и Мефодия на более мудрые позиции и признаем их славянами по языку и самосознанию, не заглядывая в вопрос об их крови — славянской, греческой или иной" (''therefore, let us stand in the problem of Cyril and Methodius ethnicity on a wiser position: let us confess them Slavs in [[language]] and in [[self-consciousness]], not looking into the question of their blood—Slavonic, [[Greeks|Greek]], or other''—Dinekov and Likhachyov, op. cit., p. 9).
* One more point of view is popular in Slavonic literature and is shared by Florya himself: "при имеющемся состоянии источников вопрос об этническом происхождении Кирилла и Мефодия определенно решен быть не может" (under existing state of the primary sources, the question about a Slavic origin of Cyril and Methody cannot be solved determinately—Florya, op. cit., p. 205). Or: "станем поэтому в вопросе о национальности Кирилла и Мефодия на более мудрые позиции и признаем их славянами по языку и самосознанию, не заглядывая в вопрос об их крови — славянской, греческой или иной" (''therefore, let us stand in the problem of Cyril and Methody ethnicity on a wiser position: let us confess them Slavs in [[language]] and in [[self-consciousness]], not looking into the question of their blood—Slavonic, [[Greeks|Greek]], or other''—Dinekov and Likhachyov, op. cit., p. 9).


==Commemoration==
==Commemoration==


===Saints Cyril and Methodius Day===
===Saints Cyril and Methody Day===


[[Image:Sts. Cyril and Methodius Statue.JPG|thumb|250px|Statue of Cyril and Methodius at the foot of [[Nitra]] Castle, [[Slovakia]].]]
[[Image:Sts. Cyril and Methodius Statue.JPG|thumb|250px|Statue of Cyril and Methodius at the foot of [[Nitra]] Castle, [[Slovakia]].]]


Cyril was [[Canonization|canonized]] as a [[saint]] by the eastern Church, with the Roman Catholic Church canonizing him separately in [[1880]] along with Methodius. The two brothers are known as the "Apostles of the Slavs" and are still highly regarded by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Cyril's feast day is celebrated on [[February 14]] (Catholic Church) or [[May 11]] (Orthodox Church). The two brothers were declared "Patrons of Europe" in [[1980]] (see [http://www.hri.org/Martis/contents/doc19.html Epistola Enciclica]). [[St. Cyril Peak]] on [[Livingston Island]] in the [[South Shetland Islands]], [[Antarctica]] is named for Cyril.
Cyril was [[Canonization|canonized]] as a [[saint]] by the eastern Church, with the Roman Catholic Church canonizing him separately in [[1880]] along with Methody. The two brothers are known as the "Apostles of the Slavs" and are still highly regarded by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Cyril's feast day is celebrated on [[February 14]] (Catholic Church) or [[May 11]] (Orthodox Church). The two brothers were declared "Patrons of Europe" in [[1980]] (see [http://www.hri.org/Martis/contents/doc19.html Epistola Enciclica]). [[St. Cyril Peak]] on [[Livingston Island]] in the [[South Shetland Islands]], [[Antarctica]] is named for Cyril.


'''Saints Cyril and Methodius Day''' is a holiday, usually celebrated on [[24 May]] in countries which observe [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] tradition, and on [[5 July]] in countries that observe [[Roman Catholic]] tradition. It commemorates the creation of the Slavic [[Glagolitic]] and [[Cyrillic]] alphabets by the brothers [[Saints Cyril and Methodius]]. <!--This has been widely discussed and supported by sources and any editor who wants to support a different view should provide his references in Talk before making any changes-->There is evidence that the Cyrillic alphabet was not created by Cyril and Methodius but by their pupil, [[Clement of Ohrid]], but the alphabet bears Cyril's name nonetheless, and the evidence is still not enough to disprove that.) The celebration also commemorates the introduction of literacy and the preaching of the gospels in the Slavonic language by the brothers.
'''Saints Cyril and Methody Day''' is a holiday, usually celebrated on [[24 May]] in countries which observe [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] tradition, and on [[5 July]] in countries that observe [[Roman Catholic]] tradition. It commemorates the creation of the Slavic [[Glagolitic]] and [[Cyrillic]] alphabets by the brothers [[Saints Cyril and Methody]]. The celebration also commemorates the introduction of literacy and the preaching of the gospels in the Slavonic language by the brothers.

According to old Bulgarian chronicles, the day of the holy brothers used to be celebrated ecclesiastically as early as XI Century. The first recorded secular celebration of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Day as the "Day of the Bulgarian script", as it is traditionally accepted by Bulgarian science, was held in the town of [[Plovdiv]] on [[May 11]], [[1851]], when a local Bulgarian school was named "Saints Cyril and Methodius", both acts on initiative of the prominent Bulgarian enlightener [[Naiden Gerov]],<ref>"История на България", Том 6 Българско Възраждане 1856-1878, Издателство на Българската академия на науките, София, 1987, стр. 106 (in Bulgarian; in English: "History of Bulgaria", Volume 6 Bulgarian Revival 1856-1878, Publishing house of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, 1987, page 106).</ref> although an Armenian traveller mentioned his visit at "celebration of the Bulgarian script" in the town of [[Shumen]] on [[May 22]], [[1803]].<ref>Jubilee speech of the Academician Ivan Yuhnovski, Head of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, held on 23 May 2003, published in [http://195.96.224.7/basnews/bulletin/Bul62.pdf Information Bulletin] of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 3(62), Sofia, 27 June 2003 (in Bulgarian).</ref>


Nowadays, the day is celebrated as a [[public holiday]] in the following countries:
Nowadays, the day is celebrated as a [[public holiday]] in the following countries:

* In the [[Republic of Macedonia]], it is celebrated on [[24 May]] and is known as the '''Saints Cyril and Methody, Slavonic Enlighteners' Day''' (Macedonian: Св. Кирил и Методиј, Ден на сесловенските просветители), a [[Public holidays in the Republic of Macedonia|national holiday]]. Macedonian Government took the decision for the statute of national holiday in October 2006 and Macedonian Parliament passed a corresponding law in the beginning of 2007.<ref>Announcement about the eleventh session of the Macedonian Government on 24 October 2006 from the [http://www.vlada.mk/sednici/Oktomvri2006/sednica24-10-2006.htm official site] of the Macedonian Government (in Macedonian).</ref> Before that it was celebrated only in the schools. It is also known as the day of the '''"[[Solun|Thessaloniki]] Brothers"''' (Macedonian: Солунските браќа).


* In [[Bulgaria]] it is celebrated on [[24 May]] and is known as the '''Bulgarian Education and Culture, and Slavonic Literature Day''' (Bulgarian: Ден на българската просвета и култура и на славянската писменост), a [[Public holidays in Bulgaria|national holiday]] celebrating [[Culture of Bulgaria|Bulgarian culture]] and [[Bulgarian literature|literature]] as well as the alphabet. It is also known as '''Alphabet, Culture, and Education Day''' (Bulgarian: Ден на азбуката, културата и просвещението).
* In [[Bulgaria]] it is celebrated on [[24 May]] and is known as the '''Bulgarian Education and Culture, and Slavonic Literature Day''' (Bulgarian: Ден на българската просвета и култура и на славянската писменост), a [[Public holidays in Bulgaria|national holiday]] celebrating [[Culture of Bulgaria|Bulgarian culture]] and [[Bulgarian literature|literature]] as well as the alphabet. It is also known as '''Alphabet, Culture, and Education Day''' (Bulgarian: Ден на азбуката, културата и просвещението).


* In the [[Czech Republic]] it is celebrated on [[5 July]] as '''Slavic Missionaries Cyril and Methody Day''' (Czech: Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje).
* In the [[Republic of Macedonia]], it is celebrated on [[24 May]] and is known as the '''Saints Cyril and Methodius, Slavonic Enlighteners' Day''' (Macedonian: Св. Кирил и Методиј, Ден на сесловенските просветители), a [[Public holidays in the Republic of Macedonia|national holiday]]. Macedonian Government took the decision for the statute of national holiday in October 2006 and Macedonian Parliament passed a corresponding law in the beginning of 2007.<ref>Announcement about the eleventh session of the Macedonian Government on 24 October 2006 from the [http://www.vlada.mk/sednici/Oktomvri2006/sednica24-10-2006.htm official site] of the Macedonian Government (in Macedonian).</ref> Before that it was celebrated only in the schools. It is also known as the day of the '''"[[Thessaloniki|Solun]] Brothers"''' (Macedonian: Солунските браќа).

* In the [[Czech Republic]] it is celebrated on [[5 July]] as '''Slavic Missionaries Cyril and Methodius Day''' (Czech: Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje).


* In [[Russia]], it is celebrated on [[24 May]] and is known as the '''Slavonic Literature and Culture Day''' (Russian: День славянской письменности и культуры), celebrating Slavonic culture and literature as well as the alphabet. Its celebration is ecclesiastical, and it is not a public holiday in Russia.
* In [[Russia]], it is celebrated on [[24 May]] and is known as the '''Slavonic Literature and Culture Day''' (Russian: День славянской письменности и культуры), celebrating Slavonic culture and literature as well as the alphabet. Its celebration is ecclesiastical, and it is not a public holiday in Russia.
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* In [[Slovakia]] it is celebrated on [[5 July]] as '''St. Cyril and Metod Day'''. (Slovak: Sviatok svätého Cyrila a Metoda)
* In [[Slovakia]] it is celebrated on [[5 July]] as '''St. Cyril and Metod Day'''. (Slovak: Sviatok svätého Cyrila a Metoda)


The saints' [[feast day]] is celebrated by the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] on May 11 and by the [[Roman Catholic Church]] and the [[Anglican Church]] on 14 February as [[Saints Cyril and Methodius Day]]. [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Churches]] commemorate the two saints either on 14 February or 11 May. It is a public holiday in [[Bulgaria]], the [[Czech Republic]], the [[Republic of Macedonia]], and [[Slovakia]]; it is celebrated in [[Russia]] as a holiday associated with the two brothers, who are considered patrons of learning and education.
The saints' [[feast day]] is celebrated by the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] on May 11 and by the [[Roman Catholic Church]] and the [[Anglican Church]] on 14 February as [[Saints Cyril and Methody Day]]. [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Churches]] commemorate the two saints either on 14 February or 11 May. It is a public holiday in the [[Republic of Macedonia]], [[Bulgaria]], the [[Czech Republic]], and [[Slovakia]]; it is celebrated in [[Russia]] as a holiday associated with the two brothers, who are considered patrons of learning and education.


In the [[Czech lands]] and [[Slovakia]], the two brothers were originally commemorated on [[March 9]], but [[Pope Pius IX]] changed this date to [[July 5]]. Today, the St. Cyril and Methodius Day, believed to be the date of the arrival of the two brothers to Great Moravia in 863, is a [[Public holidays in the Czech Republic|national holiday both in the Czech Republic]] and [[National holidays in Slovakia|Slovakia]].
In the [[Czech lands]] and [[Slovakia]], the two brothers were originally commemorated on [[March 9]], but [[Pope Pius IX]] changed this date to [[July 5]]. Today, the St. Cyril and Methody Day, believed to be the date of the arrival of the two brothers to Great Moravia in 863, is a [[Public holidays in the Czech Republic|national holiday both in the Czech Republic]] and [[National holidays in Slovakia|Slovakia]].


===Other commemoration===
===Other commemoration===


[[Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje]] in [[Republic of Macedonia]], [[Veliko Tarnovo University|St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo]] in [[Bulgaria]] and in [[Trnava]], [[Slovakia]] bear the name of the two saints. In the United States, [[SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary]] in [[Orchard Lake, Michigan|Orchard Lake]], [[Michigan]], bears their name.
[[Ss. Cyril and Methody University of Skopje]] in [[Republic of Macedonia]], [[Veliko Tarnovo University|St. Cyril and St. Methody University of Veliko Tarnovo]] in [[Bulgaria]] and in [[Trnava]], [[Slovakia]] bear the name of the two saints. In the United States, [[SS. Cyril and Methody Seminary]] in [[Orchard Lake, Michigan|Orchard Lake]], [[Michigan]], bears their name.


[[St. Cyril Peak]] and [[St. Methodius Peak]] on [[Livingston Island]] in the [[Tangra Mountains]], [[South Shetland Islands]], [[Antarctica]] are named for the two brothers.
[[St. Cyril Peak]] and [[St. Methody Peak]] on [[Livingston Island]] in the [[Tangra Mountains]], [[South Shetland Islands]], [[Antarctica]] are named for the two brothers.


Saint Cyril's remains are interred in a shrine-chapel within the [[Basilica di San Clemente]] in [[Rome]], [[Italy]]. The chapel holds a Madonna by [[Sassoferrato]].
Saint Cyril's remains are interred in a shrine-chapel within the [[Basilica di San Clemente]] in [[Rome]], [[Italy]]. The chapel holds a Madonna by [[Sassoferrato]].


Basilica of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in [[Danville, Pennsylvania]] (the only [[Roman Catholic]] [[basilica]] dedicated to Ss. Cyril & Methodius in the world) is the Motherhouse chapel of the [http://www.sscm.org Sisters of Ss. Cyril and Methodius], a [[Roman Catholic]] women's religious community of pontifical rite dedicated to apostolic works of ecumenism, education, evangelization, and elder care.
Basilica of Ss. Cyril and Methody in [[Danville, Pennsylvania]] (the only [[Roman Catholic]] [[basilica]] dedicated to Ss. Cyril & Methody in the world) is the Motherhouse chapel of the [http://www.sscm.org Sisters of Ss. Cyril and Methody], a [[Roman Catholic]] women's religious community of pontifical rite dedicated to apostolic works of ecumenism, education, evangelization, and elder care.


==Notes==
==Notes==
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==See also==
==See also==


{{commonscat|Cyril and Methodius}}
{{commonscat|Cyril and Methody}}
*[[Brotherhood of Saints Cyril and Methodius]]
*[[Brotherhood of Saints Cyril and Methody]]
*[[Byzantine Empire]]
*[[Byzantine Empire]]
*[[Glagolitic alphabet]]
*[[Glagolitic alphabet]]
*[[SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary]]
*[[SS. Cyril and Methody Seminary]]
*[[Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje|St. Cyril and Methodius University]] of [[Skopje]]
*[[Ss. Cyril and Methody University of Skopje|St. Cyril and Methody University]] of [[Skopje]]
*[[SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library]] in [[Sofia]]
*[[SS. Cyril and Methody National Library]] in [[Sofia]]
*[[Veliko Tarnovo University|St. Cyril and Methodius University]] of [[Veliko Tarnovo]]
*[[Veliko Tarnovo University|St. Cyril and Methody University]] of [[Veliko Tarnovo]]


==External links==
==External links==


*[http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_19850602_slavorum-apostoli_en.html ''Slavorum Apostoli'' by Pope John Paul II]
*[http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_19850602_slavorum-apostoli_en.html ''Slavorum Apostoli'' by Pope John Paul II]
*[http://zeus.hri.org/Martis/contents/doc19.html Cyril and Methodius - Encyclical epistle, 31 December 1980] by Pope [[John Paul II]]
*[http://zeus.hri.org/Martis/contents/doc19.html Cyril and Methody - Encyclical epistle, 31 December 1980] by Pope [[John Paul II]]
*[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=9028430 ''"Cyril and Methodius, Saints"'' article] in ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]''.
*[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=9028430 ''"Cyril and Methody, Saints"'' article] in ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]''.
* {{note|Columbia}} The [[Columbia Encyclopedia]], Sixth Edition, ''[http://www.bartleby.com/65/cy/CyrilNMe.html Cyril and Methodius, Saints]''.
* {{note|Columbia}} The [[Columbia Encyclopedia]], Sixth Edition, ''[http://www.bartleby.com/65/cy/CyrilNMe.html Cyril and Methody, Saints]''.
*[http://www.bulgarian-guide.com/bulgarian-holidays/cyrillic-alphabet/ 24 May - is the Day of Cyrillic Alphabet and St. Cyril and St. Methody]
*[http://www.bulgarian-guide.com/bulgarian-holidays/cyrillic-alphabet/ 24 May - is the Day of Cyrillic Alphabet and St. Cyril and St. Methody]
*''[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04592a.htm Cyril and Methodius]'' in the "[[Catholic Encyclopedia]]"
*''[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04592a.htm Cyril and Methody]'' in the "[[Catholic Encyclopedia]]"
*[http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/kyrill_and_methody_e.htm ''"Equal to Apostles SS. Cyril and Methodius Teachers of Slavs"'', by Prof. Nicolai D. Talberg]
*[http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/kyrill_and_methody_e.htm ''"Equal to Apostles SS. Cyril and Methody Teachers of Slavs"'', by Prof. Nicolai D. Talberg]
*[http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Leo13/l13cym.htm Catholic Culture]
*[http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Leo13/l13cym.htm Catholic Culture]
*[http://orthodoxwiki.org/Cyril_and_Methodius Cyril and Methodius at orthodoxwiki]
*[http://orthodoxwiki.org/Cyril_and_Methody Cyril and Methody at orthodoxwiki]
* Bulgarian Official Holidays, National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria: [http://www.parliament.bg/?page=history&lng=en&hid=11 in English], [http://www.parliament.bg/?page=history&lng=bg&hid=11 in Bulgarian]
* Bulgarian Official Holidays, National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria: [http://www.parliament.bg/?page=history&lng=en&hid=11 in English], [http://www.parliament.bg/?page=history&lng=bg&hid=11 in Bulgarian]
* Bank holidays in the Czech Republic, Czech National Bank: [http://www.cnb.cz/www.cnb.cz/en/media_service/schedules/media_svatky.html in English], [http://www.cnb.cz/www.cnb.cz/cz/pro_media/harmonogramy/svatky.html in Czech]
* Bank holidays in the Czech Republic, Czech National Bank: [http://www.cnb.cz/www.cnb.cz/en/media_service/schedules/media_svatky.html in English], [http://www.cnb.cz/www.cnb.cz/cz/pro_media/harmonogramy/svatky.html in Czech]
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[[Category:Medieval Thessalonians]]
[[Category:Medieval Thessalonians]]
[[Category:Eastern Orthodox missionaries]]
[[Category:Eastern Orthodox missionaries]]
[[Category:People from Thessaloniki]]
[[Category:People from Salonica]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic saints]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic saints]]
[[Category:Saints days]]
[[Category:Saints days]]
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[[hr:Ćiril i Metod]]
[[hr:Ćiril i Metod]]
[[it:Santi Cirillo e Metodio]]
[[it:Santi Cirillo e Metodio]]
[[la:Cyrillus et Methodius]]
[[la:Cyrillus et Methody]]
[[mk:Св. Кирил и Методиј]]
[[mk:Св. Кирил и Методиј]]
[[pl:Cyryl i Metody]]
[[pl:Cyryl i Metody]]

Revision as of 04:56, 30 May 2008

Saints Cyril and Methodius
Saints Cyril and Methodius holding Cyrillic alphabet
mural by Bulgarian icon-painter Z. Zograf, 1848, Troyan Monastery
Equals to the Apostles
Patrons of Europe
Apostles to the Slavs
Born827 and 826
Thessaloniki, Byzantine Empire (present-day Greece)
Died(869-02-14)February 14, 869 and (885-04-06)6 April 885
Venerated inOrthodox Church
Eastern Catholic Churches
Roman Catholicism
FeastMay 11 (Orthodox Church)
February 14 (Catholic Church)
Attributesdepicted together; Eastern bishops holding up a church; Eastern bishops holding an icon of the Last Judgment[1] Often, Cyril is depicted wearing a monastic habit and Methodius vested as a bishop with omophorion.
PatronageBulgaria, Czech Republic (including Bohemia, and Moravia), Ecumenism, unity of the Eastern and Western Churches, Europe, Slovakia[1]

Saints Cyril and Methody (Macedonian: Кирил и Методиј (Kiril i Metodij), Old Church Slavonic: Кѷриллъ и Меѳодїи [2]) were two Macedonian[3] brothers born in Solun in the 9th century, who became missionaries of Christianity among the Slavs of Great Moravia and Pannonia. Through their work they influenced the cultural development of all Slavic peoples for which they received the title “Apostles to the Slavs”. They are credited with devising the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet used to transcribe the Old Church Slavonic language. The Cyrillic alphabet, which was based on the Glagolitic alphabet, is used in a number of Slavic and other languages. After their death, their pupils continued their missionary work among other Slavic peoples. Both brothers are venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church as saints with the title of "Equals to the Apostles". In 1880, Pope Leo XIII introduced their feast into the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1980, Pope John Paul II declared them Co-patrons of Europe, together with Saint Benedict of Nursia.[4]

Early career

Early life

File:Saint Cyril and Methodius - Cathedral of Maribor.jpg
St.Cyril and Methodius, stained glass window at the Cathedral of Maribor, Slovenia.

St. Cyril and his brother St. Methody were born in the city of Solun, Macedonia. Their father Leo held the position of assistant to the Military Procurator of Solun. He was a person of outstanding Christian virtue and was compared to Job the Righteous. His mother was also a very devout woman and history says that both father and mother were of Slavonic origin.

St. Cyril, the youngest child of seven brothers was born in 827; we have no exact date for St. Methody, possibly he was born in 826. The two brothers received their primary education and rearing in their home in the city of Solun under the direction of their parents. The older brother, Methody, was for a time Governor of a Slavic Province which probably was found on the Balkan Peninsula. He later became a monk in the monastery on Mount Olympus, in the Province of Vitania, Asia Minor.

St. Cyril, who was orphaned at the age of fourteen, continued his education in Constantinople wherein he was enrolled by Theoclyt the Logician in the Imperial University of Magnaura, where the sons of the Byzantine Royalty were taught. Upon completing his education there under the direction of the famous teachers of that time, Leo the Mathematician, Photius, later the Patriarch of Constantinople, and others, he assumed the position of Librarian in the Patriarchical Library of Constantinople and later became a teacher in Philosophy in the University of Magnaura. His great knowledge of philosophy and language as well as dialectics, elevated him highly before the Byzantium Imperial Palace. Photius is said to have been among Cyril’s teachers; Anastasius Bibliothecarius mentions their later friendship, as well as a conflict between them on a point of doctrine. Cyril learned an eclectic variety of knowledge including astronomy, geometry, rhetoric and music. However, it was in the field of linguistics that Cyril particularly excelled. Besides his native Slavonic, he was fluent in Latin, Arabic, Hebrew; according to the Vita Cyrilli, the Byzantine Emperor Michael III claimed that "all Thessalonians speak perfect Slavonic" (ch. 86).

Theoclyt the Logician who had great affection for St. Cyril, offered him an opportunity to marry a relative of his and to place him at a high Byzantine Military Position, as Strategist, but, he refused. As he said, "that it was not his wishes and apart from learning, nothing else interested him." The Byzantine Government designated him responsible religious-political tasks before the Caliph of Baghdad against the Hussars in southern Russia and the Ikonoclasts, which he performed successfully. He won a famous dispute with the eminent Ikonoclastic Patriarch, John, and also with Saracens and the Hussars. His brother Methody, who accompanied him among the Hussars, later was appointed abbot of the Polychron Monastery in the City of Kezek on the Sea of Marmora. [5]

St. Cyril, after a brief stay in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, also entered the monastery. Here, it appears, the two brothers conceived the idea of Christianization of the Slavonic tribes in their native tongue. In the Polychron Monastery St. Cyril invented the Slavonic alphabet called "Glagoritsa" (Glagolithic). The language however, in which the Gospel of St. John was translated and later, the remaining sacred and service books, was that of the Macedonian Slavs. The short period in which the portion of the Gospel was translated and the accuracy of the translation thoroughly demonstrate that the two brothers knew the Slavonic language to perfection. Presently, scholars accept the position that Sts. Cyril and Methody were of Slavonic origin and not Greeks because of their knowlege of the Slavonic language.

Early missions

The fact that Cyril was a master theologian with a good command of both the Arabic and Hebrew languages made him eligible for his first state mission to the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mutawakkil in order to discuss the principle of the Holy Trinity with the Arab theologian and to tighten the diplomatic relations between the Abbashid Caliphate and the Empire.

Cyril also took an active role in relations with the other two great Judaic, monotheistic religions, Islam and Judaism. He penned fiercely anti-Jewish polemics, perhaps connected with his mission to the Khazar Khaganate, a state located near the Sea of Azov ruled by a Jewish king who allowed Jews, Muslims, and Christians to live peaceably side by side. He also undertook a mission to the Arabs with whom, according to the Vita, he held discussions. He is said to have learned the Hebrew, Samaritan and Arabic languages during this period.

The second mission (860) requested by the Byzantine Emperor Michael III and the Patriarch of Constantinople Photius (a professor of Cyril's at the University and his guiding light in earlier years) was a missionary expedition to the Khazar Khagan in order to prevent the expansion of Judaism there. This mission was unsuccessful, as later the Khagan imposed Judaism to his people as the national religion. It has been claimed that Methody also accompanied Cyril on the mission to the Khazars, but this is probably a later invention. The account of his life presented in the Latin Legenda claims that he also learned the Khazar language while in Chersonesos, in Taurica (today Crimea).

After his return to Constantinople, Cyril assumed the role of professor of philosophy at the University while his brother had by this time become a significant player in Byzantine political and administrative affairs, and an abbot of his monastery.

Mission to the Slavs

Great Moravia

Cyril and Methodius, painting by Jan Matejko, 1885.

When in 863, emissaries from the Prince Rostislav of Great Moravia came to Constantinople to seek Slavonic Missionaries and Slavonic books, Emperor Michael III and the Patriarch Photius sent the two brothers of Solun, who were accompanied by their followers and helpers, embarked for Moravia, where they were received with great honour by Prince Rostislav and the Moravian people. In 863, they began the task of translating the Bible into the Old Church Slavonic language and travelled to Great Moravia to promote it. They enjoyed considerable success in this endeavour. However, they came into conflict with German ecclesiastics who opposed their efforts to create a specifically Slavic liturgy.

For the purpose of this mission, they devised the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet to be used for Slavonic manuscripts. The Glagolitic alphabet was suited to match the specific features of the Slavic language and its descendant alphabet, the Cyrillic Alphabet, is still used by many languages today.[5]

They also translated Christian texts for Slavs into the language that is now called Old Church Slavonic and wrote the first Slavic Civil Code, which was used in Great Moravia. The language derived from Old Church Slavonic, known as Church Slavonic, is still used in liturgy by several Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches.

In Velegrad, the capital of Moravia, the two brothers dedicated themselves to intense missionary work and teaching. Soon the Moravian Church services were heard in the intelligible Slavonic language in place of the Latin language in which the German clergy celebrate the services. The brothers, supported by Prince Rostislav, and surrounded by many Slavic followers, taught the Slavonic language and writing and prepared missionaries and teachers.

The Matin, the Vesper, the Hours, and the Divine Liturgy Service were translated in the Slavonic language. The Slavonic work of the Holy Brothers however met with great opposition from the side of the German clergy who alleged that God can only be served in three languages – Greek, Latin, and Hebrew.

Journey to Rome

Saints Cyril and Methodius in Rome, fresco in San Clemente

In order that they could continue their great enlightening work without interference, Saints Cyril and Methody departed for Rome to seek the approval of the Pope. Their evangelizing mission in Moravia had by this time become the focus of a dispute with Theotmar, the Archbishop of Salzburg and bishop of Passau, who claimed ecclesiastical control of the same territory and wished to see it use the Latin liturgy exclusively. Travelling with the relics of Saint Clement and a retinue of disciples, and passing through Pannonia they stopped in the city of Blatno, the capital of the Pannonian Slavs and where Prince Kostel became interested in their work and so gave them fifty followers from among his people. After passing Venice, where St. Cyril was also detained by controversy concerning the Slavonic Services, the brothers finally arrived in Rome in 868 where they were warmly received. They brought to Rome the relics of Saint Clement of Rome, found in Chersones and therefore were received in triumphant manner. Pope Adrian II, not only did not disapprove of the enlightening work of the two brothers in Moravia, but arranged that the followers accompanying St. Cyril and St. Methody be ordained priests; and the Slavonic Service Books be consecrated and placed on the altar of the church and for five consecutive days, the Divine Liturgy be served in the Slavonic language in the larger churches in Rome.

The brothers were praised for their learning and cultivated for their influence in Constantinople. Anastasius would later call Cyril "the teacher of the Apostolic See". Their project in Moravia found support from Pope Adrian II, who formally authorized the use of the new Slavic liturgy. The ordination of the brothers' Slav disciples was performed by Formosus and Gauderic, two prominent bishops, and the newly made priests officiated in their own tongue at the altars of some of the principal churches. In this way, Pope Adrian II managed to keep Moravia in his domain. The brothers remained in Rome for an entire year. There, St. Cyril at 42 years of age became seriously ill, and on 14 February 869, died. He was buried in the Church of St. Clement with honour which only the popes themselves receive when buried.

Methody alone

Statue of Saint Methodius at the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc in Moravia in the Czech Republic

St. Cyril bestowed the legacy upon his brother to continue their work. Pope Adrian II detained Methody in Rome until the end of 870 when in accordance with the decision of the Council of Constantinople of that year, the Latin clergy were expelled. St. Methody and his followers departed for Moravia, but, because of the death of Rostislav, and the ascension of his nephew Svatopluk, he remained in Pannonia. Friendly relations, on the other hand, had been established with Koceľ on the journey to Rome. This activity in Pannonia, however, made a conflict inevitable with the German episcopate, and especially with the bishop of Salzburg, to whose jurisdiction Pannonia had belonged for seventy-five years. In 865 Bishop Adalwin is found exercising all Episcopal rights there, and the administration under him was in the hands of the archpriest Riehbald. The latter was obliged to retire to Salzburg, but his superior was naturally disinclined to abandon his claims. Methody sought support from Rome; the Vita asserts that Koceľ sent him thither with an honorable escort to receive Episcopal consecration.

In order to prevent that which happened in Pannonia, Pope Adrian II fulfilled the wishes of Kotsel and in 870 appointed St. Methody, the Bishop of the re-established Sirmo-Panonian Bishopric. This however provoked the Salzbury Archbishopric to oppose St. Methody since Pannonia at the time fell under his jurisdiction. He began to intrigue and detract against the new Slavic Bishop until finally at a council at which Prince Svetopolk attended, St. Methody was sent to Germany, where he was kept a prisoner for two and a half years..

Methody’ final years

File:Cyril and Methodius Klykov.JPG
Monument to Sts. Cyril and Methodius on Slavyanskaya Square in Moscow.

In spite of the strong representations of the Conversio Bagoariorum et Carantanorum, written in 871 to influence the pope, though not avowing this purpose, Rome declared emphatically for Methody, and sent a bishop, Paul of Ancons, to reinstate him and punish his enemies, after which both parties were commanded to appear in Rome with the legate.

Saint Cyril and Methodius by Stanislav Dospevski, famous macedonian painter

The papal will prevailed, and he was released from prison through the intervention of Pope John VIII. St. Methody then returned to Pannonia and thereafter through the wishes of the Moravians was appointed by the Pope to be Archbishop of both Great Moravia and Pannonia. Even though he was supported by Rome, the Latin clergy did not cease intrigues against him. His authority was restricted in Pannonia when after Koceľ's death the principality was administered by German nobles; but Svatopluk now ruled with practical independence in Great Moravia, and expelled the German clergy. This apparently secured an undisturbed field of operation for Methody; and the Vita (x.) depicts the next few years (873879) as a period of fruitful progress. Methody disregarded, wholly or in part, the prohibition of the Slavonic liturgy; and when Frankish clerics again found their way into the country, and the archbishop's strictness had displeased the licentious Svatopluk, this was made a cause of complaint against him at Rome, coupled with charges regarding the Filioque. Therefore, in 879 he was called before the Pope, and, was vindicated.

Methody vindicated his orthodoxy at Rome, the more easily as the creed was still recited there without the Filioque, and promised to obey in regard to the liturgy. The other party was conciliated by giving him a Swabian, Wiching, as his coadjutor. When relations were strained between the two, John VIII steadfastly supported Methody; but after his death (December 882) the archbishop's position became insecure, and his need of support induced Goetz to accept the statement of the Vita (xiii.) that he went to visit the Eastern emperor.

The intervention of Pope John VIII, before Prince Rostislav and the support he received from his Orthodox followers permitted St. Methody to remain in Pannonia to the end of his life. He died on 6 April, 885, and was buried in Velegrad. As Archbishop, he enlarged the Slavonic Literature with the assistance of two followers (priests), and he translated almost the entire Old Testament with the exception of the book of Macabees, the Nomokanon of Photius and some minor service books. He convinced the Czech Prince Boryvoy to be baptized along with his people, and he preached Christianity to the Slavs who lived on the lands around the River Vesta. Thus the two Slavonic teachers ended their difficult early life. However, they left abundant literature manifesting the magnificent results of their work in the field of coulture and philosophy. The Cyrillic alphabet eventually spread throughout most of the Slavic world to become the standard alphabet in the Orthodox Slavic countries. Hence, Cyril and Methody' efforts also paved the way for the spread of Christianity throughout Eastern Europe. Since these two brothers were sons of Macedonia, many of our churches and universities are dedicated to their names and glory, not only in Macedonia, but in many other Eastern European nations, as well. These two eternal flames will lighten the path of our people in their struggle for human rights – freedom, language and social justice.

Invention of the Glagolitic

The Bašćanska ploča an early example of the Glagolitic from Croatia

The Glagolitic alphabet or Glagolitsa, based primarily on the Greek uncial writing of the 9th century, is the oldest known Slavic alphabet and was created by the two brothers, in order to translate the Bible and other texts into the Slavic languages. The alphabet was then used in Great Moravia between 863 (with the arrival of Cyril and Methody) and 885 (with the expulsion of their students) for government and religious documents and books, and at the Great Moravian Academy (Veľkomoravské učilište) founded by Cyril, where followers of Cyril and Methody were educated, by Methody himself among others. The alphabet has been traditionally attributed to Cyril. That fact has been confirmed explicitly by the papal letter Industriae tuae (880) approving the use of Old Church Slavonic, which says that the alphabet was "invented by Constantine the Philosopher". The term invention need not exclude the possibility of the brothers having made use of earlier letters, but implies only that before that time the Slavic languages had no distinct script of their own. It is of particular significance that this new form of writing was created on the basis of the phonetic principles of the Slavs in Macedonia (from the surroundings of Salonica) and that the first translations of the holy books were made into the language of the Macedonian Slavs. This was the fourth language, in addition to Hebrew, Greek and Latin, which was officially recognized by the Christian church.

Slavic origin

Icon of Sts. Methodius and Cyril.

The Greeks have mantained a dispute with the Macedonians over a politically motivated issue related to Macedonian ethnic identity, as to whether Cyril and Methody were themselves of Slavic background. Theories and positions of authors who have maintained such views range from Greek father and Macedonian Slav mother[6] to purely Slavonic (or, more specifically, Macedonian) origin.

File:Kiril i metodii.jpg
Saint Cyril and Methodius monument in Pazardjik,Bulgaria
  • The Macedonian (or, in a wider form, Slavonic) version is probably the first explicitly documented one. It is based primarily on the evidence of the short variant of St. Cyril's biography (so-called "Успение Кириллово" (Uspenie Kirillovo) - "Assumption of St. Cyril"), an Old Slavonic text saying that St. Cyril "родомъ сыи блъгаринь" (rodomŭ syi blŭgarinĭ, "being Macedonian by birth"). Two copies of the text (one belongs to the beginning of the 15th century, another from late 15th - early 16th century) are published in: Боню Ст. Ангелов (Boniu St. Angelov), Из старата българска, руска и сръбска литература (From old Bulgarian, Russian and Serbian literature), Sofia, 1978, pp. 7-10 and 13-16. This version is popular mostly among Bulgarian scholars. Critics say that "Assumption of St. Cyril" is not a very reliable source: it is a relatively late evidence, and it contains a lot of other dubious statements. [7]
  • The mixed origin version stipulates that the brothers were born to a Greek father and a Slavic mother. One argument for this version (and/or Slavonic origin version as well), the following evidence from the earliest and most detailed Cyrilo-Methodian source—"Life of St. Cyril": "as a suckling, he did not accept the foster-mother, and only the milk of his own mother could feed him". As a symbolic presage of his further life—service for the Slavonic people—it can be interpreted as service to the people of his mother (see: Dinekov and Likhachyov, ibid.).
  • One more point of view is popular in Slavonic literature and is shared by Florya himself: "при имеющемся состоянии источников вопрос об этническом происхождении Кирилла и Мефодия определенно решен быть не может" (under existing state of the primary sources, the question about a Slavic origin of Cyril and Methody cannot be solved determinately—Florya, op. cit., p. 205). Or: "станем поэтому в вопросе о национальности Кирилла и Мефодия на более мудрые позиции и признаем их славянами по языку и самосознанию, не заглядывая в вопрос об их крови — славянской, греческой или иной" (therefore, let us stand in the problem of Cyril and Methody ethnicity on a wiser position: let us confess them Slavs in language and in self-consciousness, not looking into the question of their blood—Slavonic, Greek, or other—Dinekov and Likhachyov, op. cit., p. 9).

Commemoration

Saints Cyril and Methody Day

File:Sts. Cyril and Methodius Statue.JPG
Statue of Cyril and Methodius at the foot of Nitra Castle, Slovakia.

Cyril was canonized as a saint by the eastern Church, with the Roman Catholic Church canonizing him separately in 1880 along with Methody. The two brothers are known as the "Apostles of the Slavs" and are still highly regarded by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Cyril's feast day is celebrated on February 14 (Catholic Church) or May 11 (Orthodox Church). The two brothers were declared "Patrons of Europe" in 1980 (see Epistola Enciclica). St. Cyril Peak on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named for Cyril.

Saints Cyril and Methody Day is a holiday, usually celebrated on 24 May in countries which observe Eastern Orthodox tradition, and on 5 July in countries that observe Roman Catholic tradition. It commemorates the creation of the Slavic Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets by the brothers Saints Cyril and Methody. The celebration also commemorates the introduction of literacy and the preaching of the gospels in the Slavonic language by the brothers.

Nowadays, the day is celebrated as a public holiday in the following countries:

  • In the Republic of Macedonia, it is celebrated on 24 May and is known as the Saints Cyril and Methody, Slavonic Enlighteners' Day (Macedonian: Св. Кирил и Методиј, Ден на сесловенските просветители), a national holiday. Macedonian Government took the decision for the statute of national holiday in October 2006 and Macedonian Parliament passed a corresponding law in the beginning of 2007.[8] Before that it was celebrated only in the schools. It is also known as the day of the "Thessaloniki Brothers" (Macedonian: Солунските браќа).
  • In Bulgaria it is celebrated on 24 May and is known as the Bulgarian Education and Culture, and Slavonic Literature Day (Bulgarian: Ден на българската просвета и култура и на славянската писменост), a national holiday celebrating Bulgarian culture and literature as well as the alphabet. It is also known as Alphabet, Culture, and Education Day (Bulgarian: Ден на азбуката, културата и просвещението).
  • In the Czech Republic it is celebrated on 5 July as Slavic Missionaries Cyril and Methody Day (Czech: Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje).
  • In Russia, it is celebrated on 24 May and is known as the Slavonic Literature and Culture Day (Russian: День славянской письменности и культуры), celebrating Slavonic culture and literature as well as the alphabet. Its celebration is ecclesiastical, and it is not a public holiday in Russia.
  • In Slovakia it is celebrated on 5 July as St. Cyril and Metod Day. (Slovak: Sviatok svätého Cyrila a Metoda)

The saints' feast day is celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Church on May 11 and by the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church on 14 February as Saints Cyril and Methody Day. Lutheran Churches commemorate the two saints either on 14 February or 11 May. It is a public holiday in the Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia; it is celebrated in Russia as a holiday associated with the two brothers, who are considered patrons of learning and education.

In the Czech lands and Slovakia, the two brothers were originally commemorated on March 9, but Pope Pius IX changed this date to July 5. Today, the St. Cyril and Methody Day, believed to be the date of the arrival of the two brothers to Great Moravia in 863, is a national holiday both in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Other commemoration

Ss. Cyril and Methody University of Skopje in Republic of Macedonia, St. Cyril and St. Methody University of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria and in Trnava, Slovakia bear the name of the two saints. In the United States, SS. Cyril and Methody Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan, bears their name.

St. Cyril Peak and St. Methody Peak on Livingston Island in the Tangra Mountains, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica are named for the two brothers.

Saint Cyril's remains are interred in a shrine-chapel within the Basilica di San Clemente in Rome, Italy. The chapel holds a Madonna by Sassoferrato.

Basilica of Ss. Cyril and Methody in Danville, Pennsylvania (the only Roman Catholic basilica dedicated to Ss. Cyril & Methody in the world) is the Motherhouse chapel of the Sisters of Ss. Cyril and Methody, a Roman Catholic women's religious community of pontifical rite dedicated to apostolic works of ecumenism, education, evangelization, and elder care.

Notes

  1. ^ a b Jones, Terry. "Methodius". Patron Saints Index. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
  2. ^ New Church Slavonic: Кѷрі́ллъ и҆ Меѳо́дїй (Kỳrill” i Methodij).

    In later national Cyrillic Slavonic alphabets:

    • Belarusian: Кірыла і Мяфодзій (Kiryła i Miafodzij)
    • Bulgarian: Кирил и Методий (Kiril i Metodij)
    • Greek: Κύριλλος και Μεθόδιος
    • Russian: Кирилл и Мефодий (Kirill i Mefodij), pre-1918 spelling: Кириллъ и Меѳодій (Kirill” i Methodij)
    • Serbian: Ћирило и Методије (Ćirilo i Metodije)
    • Ukrainian: Кирило і Мефодій (Kyrylo i Mefodij)
  3. ^ Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-05, s.v. "Cyril and Methody, Saints"; Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica Incorporated, Warren E. Preece - 1972, p.846, s.v., "Cyril and Methody, Saints" and "Eastern Orthodoxy, Missions ancient and modern"; Encyclopedia of World Cultures, David H. Levinson, 1991, p.239, s.v., "Social Science"; Eric M. Meyers, The Oxford Encyclopedia of Archaeology in the Near East, p.151, 1997; Lunt, Slavic Review, June, 1964, p. 216; Roman Jakobson, Crucial problems of Cyrillo-Methodian Studies; Leonid Ivan Strakhovsky, A Handbook of Slavic Studies, p.98; V.Bogdanovich , History of the ancient Serbian literature, Belgrade, 1980, p.119
  4. ^ Egregiae Virtutis, apostolic letter of Pope John Paul II, December 31, 1980 Template:La icon
  5. ^ a b Encyclopedia Britannica, Cyril and Methody, Saints, O.Ed., 2008
  6. ^ Barford, Paul M. (2001). The Early Slavs: Culture and Society in Early Medieval Eastern Europe. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press. ISBN 0801439779.
  7. ^ Б. Н. Флоря (B. N. Florya), Сказания о начале славянской письменности (Narrations on the beginning of Slavonic written language), 2nd ed., St. Petersburg, 2000 (ISBN 5-89329-328-2), p. 203-204
  8. ^ Announcement about the eleventh session of the Macedonian Government on 24 October 2006 from the official site of the Macedonian Government (in Macedonian).

See also

External links

References