In the distant 9th century, two Christian empires existed in Europe. One of them was Byzantium, and the other was Francia. Around 843, there was a division between the royal heirs. Among these lands were places on which the Slavic pagans lived.
At that time, the official language of Byzantium was Greek, and Francia - Latin. But the people who lived here used a variety of languages. Here lived glade, drevlyane, Vyatichi and many others.
It is worth saying that the state of the Rus was only just beginning to emerge. It was here, on the seashore, in a small town called Solun, that two people lived - two future saints, equally apostles. In our article we will consider 10 interesting facts about Cyril and Methodius.
10. Elder and younger brothers
Not many people know that Cyril and Methodius were siblings. But initially, the boys were called wrong. The oldest, strongest and more courageous were called Michael. And the youngest, who was constantly sick, but was very gifted, was called Constantine.
The brothers were always friends, the elder took care of the younger. The history of these two people has been studied very carefully. Multiple sources have been preserved that tell of particular details from their biography.
9. Since childhood, Cyril was interested in literature and other sciences.
Brothers were born in a rather wealthy and noble family. Father was a famous military man. There were many speculations about the origin of these two brothers.
According to one of the most common versions, they had Greek roots. But scientists in the XIX century defended their Slavic origin, based on the fact that they were fluent in the Slavic language. But the Bulgarians believe that they belonged to the Bulgarian family.
But it is worth noting that the city of Solun, in which they lived, was considered a bilingual city. When the analysis of the brothers' translation language was carried out, he showed that they knew exactly the Slavic language, as their native language.
But after both brothers received education, their paths in life diverged, but not for long. From childhood, Cyril was interested in literature and other sciences, was a very gifted person. Even after his death, information remained in which the depth and vastness of his knowledge was repeatedly emphasized.
Constantine later became a professor at the Metropolitan University of Constantinople. The first task he received was to uphold the truth of Christianity before other Gentiles.
8. Cyril taught philosophy
Cyril studied with the best teachers in philosophy, geometry, arithmetic, astronomy. Then, after completing his studies, he married. After which he was ordained a reader and sent to serve in the Hagia Sophia of Constantinople.
But once he neglected his position and decided to retire from the monastery. For a long time he lived in solitude. Subsequently, he was forcibly returned to the city and identified to teach philosophy at the university, where he himself once studied. It was there that he got the nickname Konstantin Philosopher. It is worth noting that Cyril led many people to the Christian faith.
7. Methodius was a commander
But Methodius decided to take a completely different path. He went to military service. Afterwards became ruler in one of the Byzantine principalities. It was there that he was able to get acquainted with the Slavic language. But after some time he decides to abandon such a way of life, and to adopt monasticism.
After he takes monastic tonsure, he goes to the monastery, which was located on a mountain called Olympus.
6. The acquisition of the relics of St. Clement
Priest Clement was considered bishop of Rome. He lived in the 1st century after PX. Then he was called the Pope, but previously the word was not associated with the Catholic Church, as it is now.
Clement was baptized by the apostle Peter himself and became the continuation of the great work. For example, in just one day, he could bring nearly 500 people or more to Christ.
For a very long time, he worked with other people in a quarry. There he was able to meet 2,000 Christians who were convicted of such hard labor. Poor people were left completely without water, but Clement comforted the people. By his prayer in the desert a spring with water scored.
When the emperor Troyan found out about this, he ordered the saint to be drowned. It is worth noting that every year on the day of his memory, the sea parted, and all believers could worship the relics.
Then, around the 9th century, its remains ceased to be accessible to people. They could no longer follow them. Later, Cyril and Methodius arrived in the city. The brothers began to convince the flock and clergy to gain the relics of the saint and transfer them to a certain place. After prayer, at midnight, the relics of St. Clement appeared on the surface of the water. It was then that they gained.
It is worth noting that in Kiev, veneration of the saint spread almost immediately after Prince Vladimir was baptized in the Crimean waters. After he brought faith to Russia. Currently, St. Clement is revered by people as an intercessor of the Russian land.
5. Translated into Slavic liturgical books
Cyril and Methodius translated many books for worship in the Slavic language. This happened when they went to the lands of Moravia. Divine services were held in an unfamiliar Latin language.
Then Prince Rostislav was forced to find services in their native language, because there was no tradition in the eastern church to impose a new language. The prince decided to turn to Constantinople with a request to send knowledgeable teachers who would help translate these books into a completely different language.
It was then that Constantine went here, taking with him his brother Methodius and the best students for a great cause and help. Together, they were able to translate from Greek into Slavic books, without which it is impossible to worship, namely the Gospel, the Psalter, as well as the Apostle and other selected services. After the translation was completed, services began to be held in Slavic.
4. Many countries and peoples consider them theirs.
Cyril and Methodius have long been considered the patrons of the entire Slavic people. They have made an invaluable contribution to the lives of many people. The brothers brought everyone the Christian faith, taught the language. That's why even now many nations and countries consider them theirs.
3. Had priesthood
Both brothers had priesthood. Cyril received the rank of priest and was appointed to the library of the St. Sophia Church, keeper. But later he left this place and went to serve in the monastery. And Methodius received the rank of Archbishop of Moravia. And the Pope himself ordained it.
2. False accusations against Methodius
Methodius was repeatedly accused of heresy. He was often called to Rome, where he read the prayer “Creed” in the presence of the curia. But they managed to justify themselves, as it was a slander. But the prosecution continued to follow him for many years. Once, even Pope John the tenth protested against the false teaching that was associated with the name of St. Methodius.
1. Made up the Slavic alphabet
Almost everyone knows that brothers Cyril and Methodius created the Slavic alphabet. Together with the students, they made up the alphabet, after which they began to translate all books from Greek into Slavic.