Saint Cyril Orthodox Saint History and Name Day Information

Written by Greek Boston in Ancient Greek History, Greek Orthodox Religious Information Comments Off on Saint Cyril Orthodox Saint History and Name Day Information

The lives of the saints are important to Orthodox Christians and we diligently remember the saints throughout the year. Some are even named after the saints and those who are named after them celebrate their name day on the saint’s feast days. Saint Cyril is one of the saints in the Orthodox Church that we remember on the yearly Orthodox Church calendar. His name day is on May 11th and he shares the name day with his brother, Saint Methodius. Here’s more information about Saint Cyril:

About Saint Cyril

Saint Cyril and his brother, Saint Methodius, were responsible for bring Orthodox Christianity to the Slavic people. The brothers were alive several hundred years after the early church had been established and there had been plenty of time for it to take root in other places, such as the Roman Empire. Saint Cyril, whose name was Constantine early in life, and his brother were born in the 9th Century A.D. in Thessaloniki. His brother’s original name was Michael. It is known that Constantine was the oldest and although the exact year of his birth isn’t known, it is thought that he was born around 826 A.D. 

What made them unique is that although they were born in Thessaloniki, their father was Greek while their mother was Slavic. They were proficient in both the Greek language and the Slavic language. This made them uniquely qualified to introduce Christianity to the Slavic people. They could communicate in the Slavic language and they also understand the Slavic culture. Eventually the pair traveled in order to preach to the people and convert them to Christianity. They both became monastics and when they were tonsured, their names were changed.

Saints Cyril and Methodius not only brought Christianity to the Slavic people, they also developed an alphabet, which would enable the people to read the gospel in their native languages. Known as Glagolitic script, this alphabet, although it was used at the time, declined in favor. Yet, it did play an important part in spreading Christianity.

Hymns of Saint Cyril

Saint Cyril’s feast day is on May 11th of each year and he is celebrated alongside his brother. Here are the hymns that are sung on the feast day:

Troparion (Tone 4)

O Cyril and Methodius, inspired by God,

You became equal to the Apostles by your life.

Since you were teachers of the Slavs,

Intercede with the Master of all

That He may strengthen all Orthodox peoples in the True Faith,

And that He may grant peace to the world

And great mercy to our souls.

Kontakion Tone 3

Let us praise the two priests of God who enlightened us,

And poured upon us the fount of the knowledge of God by translating the Holy Scripture.

O Cyril and Methodius, as abundant learning has been drawn from this work,

We exalt you who now stand before the Most High,

Interceding with fervor for the salvation of our souls.

Saint Cyril is one of the saints of the Orthodox Church and his name day is on May 11th of each year. Check the Name Day page for more information about other Orthodox Christian name days.

Source:

Cyril and Methodius – OrthodoxWiki

Glagolitic Script

Categorized in: Ancient Greek History, Greek Orthodox Religious Information

This post was written by Greek Boston