| St.Cyril He was born in 827 in Thessalonica as a son of an emperor’s official called Leo. His original name was Constantine, only as monk he took up the name of Kurilos (= Cyrill). His brother’s name was Methodius. Cyril grew up in Constantinople; he lived as an educated philosopher in an emperor’s court. Cyril and Methodius both entered the monastery and after the call of Radislav, the prince of Morva, they began to convert in Morva. From the Greek alphabet Cyril created suitable for Slavic language so called Cyrillic letters. This became a base for Slavic language liturgical texts editions. They spread the Gospel in Pannonia, went to Zala castle and Nitra. They met the prince Arpad who asked them to pray for him and his people. Because of the liturgy in Slavic language they got in conflict with Bavarian clergy (who used Latin), that’s why they were called to Rome and Cyril died there on February 14th, 869 .His tomb is in St. Kelemen basilica in Rome. In 1980 John Paul II announced him together with Methodius as co-patrons of Europe. St. Methodius He was born in 815. Brother of Cyril. Both of them became monk. Then around 860 they began converting in Morva. They successfully spread the Gospel in Pannonia, Zalavar and Nitra.They met Prince Arpad who asked them to pray for him and his people. Because of the liturgy in Slavic language they got in conflict with Bavarian clergy (who used Latin), that’s why they were called to Rome, where Methodius- after Cyril’s death - was appointed as a bishop. He got permission to say all services in Slav language. He became a legate of The Holy See between Slav people. The conflict with Bavarian practice revived, as he continued to press for the liturgy in the Slav language. Because of practicing it he was imprisoned for two and a half years and only the strong intervention of the Pope set him free. He died on the 6th of April 885 in Velehard, Czech Republic. Together with Cyril they were announced by John Paul II as the co–patrons of Europe, 6th December 1980. |