Saint of the Day: Sts. Cyril and Methodius

Missionaries (Ninth Century)

Their story

+ The brothers Cyril and Methodius were born in Greece and educated in Constantinople. 

+ Sent by the patriarch of Constantinople as missionaries to the people of Bulgaria, they later traveled to Rome to give an account of their ministry to Pope Saint Nicholas I. They received great support for their mission and Pope Hadrian II approved the use of a Slavonic liturgy and translation of liturgical texts.

+ Saint Cyril died in Rome on February 14, 869, shortly after taking vows as a monk. 

+ Methodius was consecrated as a bishop and continued their mission with great success, traveling throughout Moravia, Bohemia, Poland, and the Slavic Countries. Named archbishop of Velehred (in the modern-day Czech Republic), he is also credited with baptizing Saint Ludmilla, the grandmother of Saint Wenceslaus, who helped promote the Christian Faith in Bohemia. 

+ Saint Methodius died in 883. 

+ Following a decree of the Holy See, Saints Cyril and Methodius are honored as special patron saints of the unity of the Eastern and Western churches and as two of the patron saints of Europe. 

For prayer and reflection: 

“Because these holy men proclaimed his truth, God made them glorious and gave them his friendship.”—Magnificat Antiphon for the Memorial of Ss. Cyril and Methodius

Spiritual bonus

On this day, the Church also remembers the third-century priest and martyr, Saint Valentine, who is popularly honored as the patron saint of lovers.  

Prayer

O God, who enlightened the Slavic peoples
through the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius,
grant that our hearts may grasp the words of your teaching,
and perfect us as a people of one accord
in true faith and right confession.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Father Silas Henderson, S.D.S.