Sts. Cyril, Monk and Methodius, Bishop Patrons of Europe

Saints Cyril and Methodius were brothers who lived in the 9th century and are known as the "Apostles of the Slavs." Cyril was born around 826 in Thessaloniki, Greece, and Methodius was born around 815. They were both highly educated and became Byzantine Christian missionaries. They created the Glagolitic alphabet, the first Slavic alphabet, and translated the Bible and liturgical texts into the Slavic language. Cyril died in 869 in Rome, and Methodius continued his missionary work, becoming the first Archbishop of Pannonia. They are revered for their evangelization efforts and for fostering Slavic culture and language. They are the patron saints of Europe, Moravia, and the Slavic peoples.