Cyril, monk and Saint Methodius, bishop

Biography

Furthermore, also of apostolate and mission. The two achieved sainthood by dedicating themselves to the salvation of their brothers the Slavs and fighting for fidelity to the Church of Rome. Today and always the topic of "ecumenism" has been something basic for the Church, and they can be considered as models to keep in mind in these times, when so much is spoken and written about it. They were born in Thessaloniki, a beautiful and ancient city in Greek Macedonia. Methodius is believed to have been born in the year 815 and his brother Cyril about twelve years later, in the year 827. Their father had a very high rank in the military career and was well versed in Theology, Philosophy and Sciences. They had seven children, Methodius was the eldest and Cyril the youngest of them. Methodius, while still very young, was appointed governor of the province of Macedonia. Before, he had studied jurisprudence. Cyril also perfected himself in all kinds of studies of his time. The two attracted attention for their great erudition and no less for their virtue, since they were all highly respected and presented as models. Methodius and Cyril were sent to various regions with the mission of bringing peace and the Christian religion. The two occupied chairs of philosophy and other subjects, drawing powerful attention for their great wisdom. Soon the Pope and the Bishops entrusted them with delicate missions to spread the faith of Jesus Christ throughout various Slavic countries... to such an extent that it is said that the conversion of Bulgaria to Christianity is due to them. Cyril embraced the monastic life and gave himself fully to that type of austere life, thus renouncing the honor of the episcopate with which Pope Hadrian II wanted to award him. Methodius, in whose arms his brother rested, wanted to transfer his body to Thessaloniki... and he continued to work afterwards as Bishop and Missionary, with all his strength. Saint Methodius, later named Archbishop of Moravia, died on Holy Tuesday, April 6, 885.