(Cyril 827-869; Methodius 826-885) People today immediately think of Saint Valentine on February 14, and it is true that today is a memorial of a third-century martyr by that name. It is also the memorial of the Apostles to the Slavs and Patron Saints of Europe, brothers Cyril and Methodius from Thessalonica, Greece. Cyril, born as Constantine, served as a church librarian, professor of philosophy, priest, and Basilian Monk. Methodius, born as Michael, also taught philosophy and became a priest and then bishop. They served together as missionaries to Great Moravia (modern-day Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and parts of the surrounding countries), developed an alphabet for the Slavic language, and translated a great deal of Latin, including most of the Bible, into the native language to evangelize the people.
These brothers shared the truth by finding a common language. A common phrase in recovery is “unity not uniformity.” We share a common solution, but more profoundly, we are one in Christ. How do you serve unity?
“Guard the unity of faith, for it is the bond of peace and the seal of Christ’s love. Do not let disputes about words or traditions divide what God has made one” (Saint Methodius).
Reflection by Brad Farmer