|
Saint Cyril
827 - 869
Also known as: Apostle of
the Slavs; Apostle of the Southern Slavs Constantin; Constantine the
Philospher; Constantine; Cyril the Philosopher;
Memorial: 14 February; formerly 7 July and/or 9 March
Profile
Brother of Saint Methodius. Greek nobility; his family was connected with
the senate of Thessalonica, and his mother Maria may have been Slavic.
Studied at the University of Constantinople, and taught philosophy there.
Deacon. Priest. Librarian at the church of Santa Sophia. Monk, taking the
name Cyril. Sent with Methodius by the emperor in 861 to convert the
Jewish Khazars of Russia, a mission that was successful, and which allowed
him to learn the Khazar's language. In 863, sent with Methodius to convert
Moravians in their native tongue. Though some western clergy opposed their
efforts and refused to ordain their candidates for the priesthood, they
did good work. Developed an alphabet for the Slavonic language that
eventually became what is known as the Cyrillic today. After initial
criticism for their use of it, they achieved approval of the Liturgy in
the Slavonic language. May have been bishop, but may have died before the
consecration ceremony.
Born: 827 at Thessalonica, Greece as Constantin
Died: 14 February 869 at Rome, Italy
Patronage: Bohemia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia,
ecumenism, Europe, Moravia, unity of the Eastern and Western Churches,
Yugoslavia
Representation: with Saint Methodius; Oriental monk holding a church
with the help of Methodius; surrounded by Bulgarian converts; wearing a
long philosopher's coat
Reading
When the time came for Cyril to set out from this world to the peace of
his heavenly homeland, he prayed to God with his hands outstretched and
his eyes filled with tears: "O Lord, my God, you have created the choirs
of angels and spiritual powers; you have stretched forth the heavens and
established the earth, creating all that exists from nothing. You hear
those who obey your will and keep your commands in holy fear. Hear my
prayer and protect your faithful people, for you have established me as
their unsuitable and unworthy servant.
"Make your people known for the unit and profession of their faith.
Inspire the hearts of your people with your word and your teaching. You
called us to preach the Gospel of your Christ and to encourage them to
lives and works pleasing to you.
"I now return to you, your people, your gift to me. Direct them with your
powerful right hand, and protect them under the shadow of your wings. May
all praise and glorify your name, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
from an old Slavonic biography of Saint Cyril
Saint Methodius
826 - 885
Also known as:
Apostle of the Slavs; Apostle of the Southern Slavs
Memorial: 14 February
Profile
Brother of Saint Cyril. Greek nobility. Studied at the University of
Constantinople, and taught philosophy there. Priest. Sent with Cyril by
the emperor in 861 to convert the Jewish Khazars of Russia, a mission that
was successful, and which allowed him to learn the Khazar's language. In
863, sent with Cyril to convert Moravians in their native tongue. Though
some western clergy opposed their efforts and refused to ordain their
candidates for the priesthood, they did good work. Helped develop an
alphabet for the Slavonic language that eventually became what is known as
the Cyrillic today. After initial criticism for their use of it, they
achieved approval of the Liturgy in the Slavonic language. Bishop.
Evangelized in Moravia, Bohemia, Pannonia, and Poland. Archbishop of
Velehred, Czechoslovakia, but deposed and imprisoned in 870 due to the
opposition of German clergy with his work. Often in trouble over his use
of Slavonic in liturgy, some claiming he preached heresy; repeatedly
cleared of charges. Translated the Bible into the Slavonic languages.
Pioneered the use of local and vernacular languages in liturgical
settings.
Born: 826 at Thessalonica
Died: 6 April 885 at Moravia (Czechoslovakia)
Patronage: Bohemia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia,
ecumenism, Europe, Moravia, unity of the Eastern and Western Churches,
Yugoslavia
Representation: with Saint Cyril; Oriental bishop holding up a
church with Saint Cyril; Oriental bishop holding a picture of the Last
Judgment
|
