The holy equal-to-the-apostles first teachers and enlighteners of the Slavs, brothers Cyril and Methodius, came from a noble family in the city of Thessalonica. Saint Methodius was the elder, and Saint Constantine (Cyril) was the younger. Saint Methodius, being a military man, learned the Slavic language, while Saint Constantine, possessing outstanding abilities, studied sciences and languages in Constantinople. He became a priest and soon went to a monastery, where he spent time in prayer and reading. The emperor summoned the brothers for evangelical preaching to the Khazars, where they found the relics of Saint Clement and studied the Slavic language. After a successful preaching mission in Moravia, they faced opposition from German bishops, who complained to Rome. The brothers were called to Rome, where Pope Adrian approved the liturgy in the Slavic language. Saint Constantine passed away on February 14, 869, leaving his brother the task of continuing their work. Saint Methodius, becoming an archbishop, continued preaching despite persecution from the German bishops. He translated the Old Testament and other holy books into the Slavic language. Sensing his end, he pointed to Gorazd as his successor and passed away on April 6, 885, being buried in the cathedral church of Veligrad.
