Saint of the Day

01 · Read · A life to discover

St. Cyril and Methodius

Cyril and Methodius were brothers from Thessalonica who brought Christian teaching and worship to Slavic-speaking peoples. Their mission to Great Moravia involved translating Scripture and liturgical texts into Slavonic. Cyril devised the Glagolitic script to serve that work; the later Cyrillic alphabet developed among their successors.

The brothers came from Thessalonica and brought different experience to their shared mission. Cyril, originally Constantine, received an advanced education in Constantinople; Methodius had administrative experience before becoming a monk. An earlier embassy to the Khazars also exposed them to religious discussion beyond the Byzantine Christian world.

Their Moravian work answered a request for teachers able to explain Christianity in the people’s own language. Cyril developed the Glagolitic alphabet to support translation; the later Cyrillic alphabet should not simply be treated as his personal invention. Their achievements involved language, education, worship, and contested church authority together.

Their use of a local language met resistance from clergy who defended established Latin practice. They sought support in Rome, where Cyril became a monk and died in 869. Methodius returned to the mission as a bishop and continued despite imprisonment and political opposition. Their legacy links evangelization with translation and cultural understanding. They are Catholic co-patrons of Europe.

This saint is included on this recurring date in the U.S. Roman Rite calendar published by the USCCB. This reading guide gives U.S. calendar saints priority; the Mass celebrated on a particular year’s date can differ because of Sundays, seasons or higher-ranking celebrations.