St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day is a feast day celebrated in honor of the Apostles to the Slavs, Saints Cyril and Methodius. It commemorates their missionary work, cultural contributions and role in spreading Christianity among the Slavic peoples. This day is significant in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions, as well as in many Slavic countries.

Table of Contents

1. When is St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day?
2. The History of St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about St. Cyril and St. Methodius

When is St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day?

The date of St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day depends on the tradition and country celebrating their legacy. It is observed on February 14 in Catholic Churches celebrating St. Cyril and St. Methodius as missionaries and Patrons of Europe. This date aligns with the death of St. Cyril in 869 AD.

The following is the list of St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day

St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day honors their missionary work, their creation of the Glagolitic alphabet, and their efforts to translate Christian texts into the Slavic language, which laid the foundation for Slavic literacy and Christianity. The history of this celebration reflects the deep cultural and religious impact of these two brothers on the Slavic peoples and beyond.

In 863 AD, Cyril and Methodius were sent by the Byzantine Emperor Michael III and Patriarch Photius I to Great Moravia (now Czech Republic and Slovakia) to spread Christianity among the Slavs. They created the Glagolitic alphabet, the precursor to the Cyrillic script, to translate the Bible and liturgical texts into Old Church Slavonic, enabling the Slavic peoples to worship in their native language. Their efforts to use Slavic in the liturgy rather than Greek or Latin marked a significant cultural shift, fostering Slavic identity and unity.

Cyril died in 869 AD in Rome and was buried there, while Methodius continued their mission, becoming Archbishop of Moravia and defending the use of Slavic in worship. After Methodius' death in 885 AD, their disciples carried on their work, spreading Christianity and literacy throughout Eastern Europe.

Cyril and Methodius were venerated shortly after their deaths, especially in Slavic regions, for their role in Christianizing the Slavs. Their legacy was formally recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

In 1880, Pope Leo XIII approved the feast of St. Cyril and St. Methodius for the Catholic Church, further cementing their importance. In 1980, Pope John Paul II declared them Patrons of Europe recognizing their role in uniting Eastern and Western Christianity.

What Do People Do on This Day?

St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day is observed with a variety of activities, reflecting the significant contributions of these two saints to the spread of Christianity and Slavic culture. Celebrations vary across traditions and regions, with particular emphasis on their role in creating the Glagolitic alphabet and translating Christian texts into Old Church Slavonic.

In Catholic churches, special Masses celebrate their feast day, focusing on their contributions to evangelization and cultural unity. Readings and homilies highlight their work in spreading the Gospel and creating the Slavic liturgy. In some regions, processions with banners or statues of the saints are organized to honor their legacy.

Schools and Universities organize lectures, exhibitions and workshops about the lives of Cyril and Methodius, as well as discussions that focus on their creation of the Glagolitic alphabet, the development of the Cyrillic script, and their cultural impact.

Individuals and families may spend time in prayer, reflecting on the legacy of Cyril and Methodius and their impact on faith and culture. Inspired by the saints' work in bridging linguistic and cultural divides, some communities organize events promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.

More about St. Cyril and St. Methodius

St. Cyril and St. Methodius are revered as the Apostles to the Slavs and are celebrated for their monumental role in spreading Christianity and literacy among Slavic peoples during the 9th century. Their contributions have left an enduring legacy in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as in the broader Slavic world.

St. Cyril

St. Cyril, originally named Constantine, was a Byzantine missionary, scholar, and linguist. He was born into a well-educated family around 626-827 in Thessalonica (now Greece), Cyril showed exceptional aptitude for languages and theology. He studied in Constantinople, where he became a scholar, philosopher and priest, and became proficient in various languages including Greek, Hebrew, and Slavonic.

Cyril developed the Glagolitic alphabet, the first Slavic alphabet, to translate the Bible and liturgical texts into Old Church Slavonic. This alphabet laid the groundwork for the later Cyrillic script, which is still used in many Slavic languages today.

Alongside Methodius, Cyril translated the Bible, liturgical texts and other Christian writings into Old Church Slavonic. This effort made Christianity accessible to the Slavic peoples in their native language, fostering a deep connection between faith and culture.

In 863 AD, Cyril and Methodius were sent to Great Moravia by Byzantine Emperor Michael III to evangelize the Slavic peoples. They taught Christianity using the Slavic language, which distinguished their approach from the Latin-speaking missionaries of the time.

In 869 AD, during a mission to Rome, Cyril entered a monastery and took the name Cyril shortly before his death. He passed away on February 14, 869, and was buried in Rome.

St. Methodius

St. Methodius was born around 815 AD into a prominent family in Thessalonica (now Greece), Methodius initially pursued a career in administration, governing a Slavic region in the Byzantine Empire. Later, he became a monk dedicating his life to spiritual pursuits, which laid the foundation for his future missionary work.

In 863 AD, Methodius and his younger brother Cyril were sent by Byzantine Emperor Michael III to Great Moravia to evangelize the Slavic peoples. Their mission aimed to spread Christianity using the Slavic language to ensure greater understanding and cultural connection. While Cyril focused on linguistic and theological aspects, Methodius played a vital role in organizing and leading the mission. He was instrumental in training local clergy, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Christian mission.

Methodius staunchly defended the use of Old Church Slavonic in the liturgy against opposition from Latin-speaking clergy, who insisted on the exclusive use of Latin. He argued that worship in the local language was essential for the spiritual growth of the Slavic people.

Together with Cyril, Methodius translated the Bible, liturgical texts, and other Christian writings into Old Church Slavonic, making Christianity more accessible to the Slavs.

After Cyril's death in 869 AD, Methodius was appointed Archbishop of Moravia and Pannonia, a region encompassing parts of modern-day Central Europe. As archbishop, he continued their mission, strengthened the local Church, and navigated conflicts with the Latin clergy.

Methodius spent his final years in Great Moravia, continuing to teach, translate and strengthen the local Church. He died on April 6, 885 AD, leaving a legacy of faith, leadership, and cultural enrichment.