"Since ye were equal in character to the Apostles, and teachers of the Slavic lands, O divinely-wise Cyril and Methodios, pray to the Lord of all to strengthen all nations in Orthodoxy and unity of thought, to convert and reconcile the world to God, and to save our souls"

Sts. Cyril and Methodios were born in Thessalonica in the 9th century. Methodios was a military man before becoming a monk on Mount Olympus. Cyril (born "Constantine") was a brilliant theologian and scholar — and was librarian at the Church of the Holy Wisdom in Constantinople; later, he became a monk. The Emperor Michael sent the brothers to the Khazars (north of the Black Sea) in response to their petition for Christian teachers — and later, they were called by Prince Rostislav of Moravia, also to instruct his people in the Orthodox Faith. In the midst of these energized missionary activities, the brothers devised an alphabet for the Slavs, and used it to translate the Liturgy and Holy Scripture into the language of the people (what we now refer to as "Church Slavonic"). Though some disagreed with their respect for the Slavic "vernacular," Pope Adrian II received their efforts with love and full approval. St. Cyril reposed in Rome on February 14th, 869 and was buried in the Church of Saint Clement. St. Methodios was made Bishop of Moravia, but was soon-after imprisoned, due to more controversy over the Slavic translations. In 874, through the defense of Pope John VIII, he was freed and made Archbishop of Moravia. Still more difficulties followed, and he was forbidden to celebrate the Liturgy in Slavonic. Summoned to Rome again in 879, he was completely exonerated and allowed once again to use the Slavonic tongue for the divine services. He reposed on April 6th, 885.