POPULARITY
The two saints were brothers, born in Thessalonica. St Methodius, the elder brother, served as a soldier for ten years before becoming a monk. Cyril was librarian at the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople; then he too became a monk. Their first missionary work was not among the Slavs: When the king of the Khazars (a Mongol people who then inhabited much of what is now Russia) petitioned the Emperor Michael to sent teachers to instruct his people, the Emperor chose Cyril and Methodius as his emissaries. They converted the Khazar king to the Christian faith, along with many of his nobles and commoners. When King Rostislav of Moravia likewise sought teachers of the Christian faith, Cyril and Methodius were again sent forth. This time they devised an alphabet for the Slavic language and used it to translate many of the Greek service books into the language of the people. (In theory, the Orthodox people have always been privileged to hear the Church's services in their own tongue, though often attachment to dead languages has prevented this ideal from becoming reality.) Both brothers were repeatedly attacked by Germanic priests of the region, who opposed the use of the common tongue in the liturgy. At different times, both brothers were forced to appeal for exoneration and protection to the Pope of Rome, who supported them warmly each time. After the two Saints reposed, attacks on their work continued, and their disciples were eventually driven from Moravia. The disciples, fleeing southward, found a warmer welcome among the southern Slavic peoples, and their work bore much fruit in Bulgaria (including modern-day Serbia) and other countries. And, of course, the alphabet that they devised, called Cyrillic after St Cyril, remains the standard alphabet of both the Slavonic service books of the Church and the Slavic languages of today.
Adam fails in his mission, and Eve has forgotten her identity. This reveals they have already stopped living in relationship with God…relationship, identity, mission. Jesus “does ALL things well.” Do I put relationship with Him first? Am I still grasping for apples, or does He come first?
In this episode of the Liturgical Looking Glass Tim and Nick spend a fare amount of time on the beatitudes, this Sunday's Gospel (though from Luke's perspective, not Matthew) as well as commemorate the great patron saints of Europe, Cyril and Methodius. THE LITURGICAL LOOKING GLASS is a programme that looks at the liturgy of the week ahead and music that is inspired by it either directly or indirectly. It is written by Nick Swarbrick and co-presented by Tim Hutchinson. It airs every Friday at 10am and is rebroadcast at 10pm.If you enjoyed this programme, please consider making a once off or monthly donation to Radio Maria England by visiting www.RadioMariaEngland.uk or calling 0300 302 1251 during office hours. It is only through the ongoing support of our listeners that we continue to be a Christian voice by your side.
Evening Prayer for Friday, February 14, 2025 (The Fifth Sunday of Epiphany; Cyril and Methodius, Apostles to the Slavs, 869, 885).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 109Jeremiah 44:1-19, 24-302 Corinthians 12:1-13Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Morning Prayer for Friday, February 14, 2025 (The Fifth Sunday of Epiphany; Cyril and Methodius, Apostles to the Slavs, 869, 885).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 108, 110Genesis 44:1-20, 30-34Matthew 4Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Cyril and Methodius, Bishops Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Genesis 3: 1-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 32: 1-2, 5, 6, 7 Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b Gospel: Mark 7: 31-37 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Mark 7:31-37 - Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to Him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged Him to lay His Hand on him. He took him off by Himself away from the crowd. He put His Finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then He looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And immediately the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more He ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop Saints Cyril and Methodius, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) When looking at the contradictory beliefs of Islam, we can see how the Koran can be interpreted according to the circumstances. Thus, radical elements call for the annihilation of the West. Learn about this topic in the following article: https://www.tfp.org/why-islam-remains-a-persisting-threat/ 3, 4) Should Church officials be teaching illegal immigrants how to avoid (and break) the law? https://www.returntoorder.org/2025/02/should-church-officials-be-teaching-illegal-immigrants-how-to-avoid-the-law/
Send us a textCheck out the recently released JIBM Web site at: https://www.joeinblackministries.com/Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr...
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel Mark 7:31-37 Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And immediately the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Reflection People were changed when Jesus healed their body of some infirmity. They were never the same. And it seems that if we take this particular miracle and look at it carefully, it implies that there has to be some kind of awakening of something new, something different, in order for anyone to speak about it, to teach it. The miracles of Jesus, even the fact that they were what they were, was something that changed a person deeply, and they couldn't not speak about it. Even though he often said, don't tell anyone about this, they still couldn't keep it silent. To be touched by God, in a sense, is to teach who God really is. Closing Prayer Father, there's something in all of us that longs for the gifts of God that comes through Jesus. And the joy of being able to proclaim it is a great responsibility and a great source of joy. So give us the wisdom to know how to speak, how to teach, how to open people up to this marvelous healing power that is our inheritance. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop Lectionary: 333The Saint of the day is Saints Cyril and MethodiusSaints Cyril and Methodius' Stories Because their father was an officer in a part of Greece inhabited by many Slavs, these two Greek brothers ultimately became missionaries, teachers, and patrons of the Slavic peoples. After a brilliant course of studies, Cyril (called Constantine until he became a monk shortly before his death) refused the governorship of a district such as his brother had accepted among the Slavic-speaking population. Cyril withdrew to a monastery where his brother Methodius had become a monk after some years in a governmental post. A decisive change in their lives occurred when the Duke of Moravia asked the Eastern Emperor Michael for political independence from German rule and ecclesiastical autonomy (having their own clergy and liturgy). Cyril and Methodius undertook the missionary task. Cyril's first work was to invent an alphabet, still used in some Eastern liturgies. His followers probably formed the Cyrillic alphabet. Together they translated the Gospels, the psalter, Paul's letters and the liturgical books into Slavonic, and composed a Slavonic liturgy, highly irregular then. That and their free use of the vernacular in preaching led to opposition from the German clergy. The bishop refused to consecrate Slavic bishops and priests, and Cyril was forced to appeal to Rome. On the visit to Rome, he and Methodius had the joy of seeing their new liturgy approved by Pope Adrian II. Cyril, long an invalid, died in Rome 50 days after taking the monastic habit. Methodius continued mission work for 16 more years. He was papal legate for all the Slavic peoples, consecrated a bishop and then given an ancient see (now in the Czech Republic). When much of their former territory was removed from their jurisdiction, the Bavarian bishops retaliated with a violent storm of accusation against Methodius. As a result, Emperor Louis the German exiled Methodius for three years. Pope John VIII secured his release. Because the Frankish clergy, still smarting, continued their accusations, Methodius had to go to Rome to defend himself against charges of heresy and uphold his use of the Slavonic liturgy. He was again vindicated. Legend has it that in a feverish period of activity, Methodius translated the whole Bible into Slavonic in eight months. He died on Tuesday of Holy Week, surrounded by his disciples, in his cathedral church. Opposition continued after his death, and the work of the brothers in Moravia was brought to an end and their disciples scattered. But the expulsions had the beneficial effect of spreading the spiritual, liturgical, and cultural work of the brothers to Bulgaria, Bohemia and southern Poland. Patrons of Moravia, and specially venerated by Catholic Czechs, Slovaks, Croatians, Orthodox Serbians and Bulgarians, Cyril and Methodius are eminently fitted to guard the long-desired unity of East and West. In 1980, Pope John Paul II named them additional co-patrons of Europe. Reflection Holiness means reacting to human life with God's love: human life as it is, crisscrossed with the political and the cultural, the beautiful and the ugly, the selfish and the saintly. For Cyril and Methodius much of their daily cross had to do with the language of the liturgy. They are not saints because they got the liturgy into Slavonic, but because they did so with the courage and humility of Christ. Saints Cyril and Methodius are the Patron Saints of: Slavic PeoplesEcumenism Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Saints Cyril, Monk and Methodius, Bishop (Memorial)
Friends of the Rosary,Today, February 14, we celebrate the memorials of St. Cyril (827-869), a priest and a philosopher and his brother St. Methodius (826-885), and St. Valentine, Bishop and Martyr of Rome (died c. 269), patron saint of engaged couples, happy marriages, lovers, etc.In ancient Rome, Emperor Claudius issued a decree forbidding marriage, believing that single men would be better soldiers than married men.Valentine defied this decree and urged young lovers to come to him in secret so that he could join them in the sacrament of matrimony.The Emperor had Valentine arrested and attempted to convert him to Roman paganism. In turn, Valentine tried to convert Claudius to Christianity, at which point the Emperor condemned him to death.He was executed on February 14th, 273 AD in Rome.The Martyrology says, "At Rome, on the Flaminian Way, the heavenly birthday of the blessed martyr Valentine, a priest. After performing many miraculous cures and giving much wise counsel he was beaten and beheaded under Claudius Caesar."Valentine has become the universal symbol of friendship and affection, and February 14 is celebrated as St. Valentine's Day.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • February 14, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ETEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play
"Did God really say...?"
Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop. Today's readings First Reading: Acts 13:46-49 Psalm: Psalm 117:1bc, 2 Gospel: Luke 10:1-9 Catholic Radio Network
Today we celebrate the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius. These saints went to evangelize the Slavic people of Eastern Europe. How did they manage to gain the favor of these people? Father explains in this reflection.
Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius; Ninth Century brothers in a part of Greece inhabited by many Slavs; they became missionaries, teachers, and patrons of the Slavic peoples; when the Duke of Moravia requested political independence and ecclesiastical autonomy, it changed the lives of Cyril and Methodius; Cyril invented an alphabet; together they translated the Gospels, the psalter, Paul's letters, and the liturgical books into Slavonic; Cyril and Methodius journeyed to Rome, and saw their Slavonic liturgy approved by Pope Adrian II; Cyril, long an invalid, died in Rome 50 days after taking the monastic habit; Methodius continued mission work for 16 more years; they were named co-patrons of Europe by Pope John Paul II Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/14/25 Gospel: Mark 7:31-37
ROSARY - SORROWFUL MYSTERIES today. DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Friday.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Cyril and Methodius, Bishops Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Genesis 3: 1-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 32: 1-2, 5, 6, 7 Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b Gospel: Mark 7: 31-37 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
What is the Glagolitic alphabet?
The Community of St Gregory the Great sing the Gregorian Chant Mass for the Feast of SS Cyril and Methodius. Recorded live at Southgate House on 14 February 2025
Kapitelsmesse aus dem Kölner Dom am Fest des heiligen Cyrill, Mönch und des heiligen Methodius, Bischof, Glaubensboten bei den Slawen, Schutzpatrone Europas. Zelebrant: Domkapitular Markus Bosbach
Happy Valentine's Day! On today's show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell separate a bit of the history from the legend, and also celebrate the feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, apostles to the Slavic peoples and developers of the Cyrillic alphabet. They also look ahead to the Mass readings for Septuagesima Sunday with Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo and Fr. Jonathan Duncan, plus news, weather, sports and more...
In this episode of Catholic Heritage Hour, the host reflects on the liturgical history surrounding the feast days of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Saint Valentine, and the impact of 20th-century liturgical reforms. L'articolo Catholic Heritage Hour – The Feast of Cyril, Methodius, and the Saint Valentine's Day Debate proviene da Radio Maria.
Happy Valentine’s Day! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell separate a bit of the history from the legend, and also celebrate the feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, apostles to the Slavic peoples and developers of the Cyrillic alphabet. They also look ahead to the Mass readings for Septuagesima Sunday with Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo and Fr. Jonathan Duncan, plus news, weather, sports and more… ***** Collect for Sts. Cyril and Methodius O God, who enlightened the Slavic peoples through the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, grant that our hearts may grasp the words of your teaching, and perfect us as a people of one accord in true faith and right confession. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. ***** Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, BishopLk 10:1-9The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two other discipleswhom he sent ahead of him in pairsto every town and place he intended to visit.He said to them,"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;so ask the master of the harvestto send out laborers for his harvest."
Psalm 21Psalm 92Reading 1: Titus 1Reading 2: From an Old Slavonic Life of ConstantineSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
Day and night I cry to you, my God.Support us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
Psalm 15Psalm 112Canticle: Revelation 15Reading: 1 Peter 5Intercessions: Bring salvation to your people, Lord.Support us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
Psalm 63Canticle: Daniel 3Psalm 149Reading: Hebrews 13Intercessions: Nourish your people, Lord.Support us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
Co-Patrons of Europe
Mk 7:31-37Jesus left the district of Tyreand went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee,into the district of the Decapolis.And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impedimentand begged him to lay his hand on him.He took him off by himself away from the crowd.He put his finger into the man's earsand, spitting, touched his tongue;then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him,“Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”)And immediately the man's ears were opened,his speech impediment was removed,and he spoke plainly.He ordered them not to tell anyone.But the more he ordered them not to,the more they proclaimed it.They were exceedingly astonished and they said,“He has done all things well.He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Texte Soundcloud Hier finden Sie die Texte zum Mitbeten: https://online.jerusalemgemeinschaften.de/mit-uns-beten-online/texte-zum-mitbeten
For 14 February 2025, Saints Cyril, monk, and Methodius, Bishop, based on Genesis 3:1-8
From the responsorial psalm: "Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven."A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 7:31-37, today's readings)He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And immediately the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.The ears of the deaf man are opened because of the miracle Jesus performs but also because people bring the man to Jesus. Not in isolation, the man experiences the love of others who believe Jesus can restore his hearing and speech. In the first reading, the serpent finds and isolates Eve, effectively dividing her from the union she has with Adam and God and all of creation. In restoring the deaf man, Jesus doesn't merely undo what the evil one did in the Garden of Eden; he restores the man to wholeness in a foretaste of the new creation, the beatific vision in the life of the world to come. Mark tells us that the man's speech impediment was removed and that he spoke plainly. The plain speech that drives the evil one away is one word: Jesus.God, let me see the peace that results from the work Jesus accomplished while on earth and the hope of eternal life in his passion, death, and resurrection. At creation, Lord, you said you found all that you had made very good. Jesus took the deaf man aside, away from others who loved and cared for him, in order to draw him into more intimate union with you. In opening his ears and lips, Jesus restores him to your plan for creation so that all may say of your glory, "He has done all things well." Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son. Saints Cyril and Methodius, pray for us! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
We staan stil bij de nieuwe aflevering van de rots in de branding. Ook start vandaag onze bedevaart naar Rome: in het programma pelgrim in eigen land gaan we voor dit jubeljaar de 7 kerken-tocht van de heilige Filippus Neri doen. Op 14 gebruari gedenk we de HH. Cyrillus, monnik, en Methodius, bisschop. Cyrillus […]
La Porta | Renungan Harian Katolik - Daily Meditation according to Catholic Church liturgy
Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Genesis 3: 1-8; Rs psalm 32: 1-2.5.6.7; Mark 7: 31-37THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD AS A HUMAN PERSON The theme for our meditation today is: The Image and Likenessof God as a Human Person. Human beings created by the Lord God in the image andlikeness of God are purely gifts. That noble and special dignity is given inGod's will, and not because man wants it. One of the dimensions given to humansis the freedom and the right to enjoy life in the world which is fullyentrusted to human hands. But that special gift has its limits, namely as ahuman being. It means that man uses that gift of freedom and trustto the extent that he is capable of being a human being. The position anddignity of human beings remain as human beings. A human person cannot changehis position to the position of God. That is the intention of God to bestowprivileges on man, but man is also given a limit that he cannot break. This isthe same as a father and a mother will remain a father and a mother to theirchildren until they die. It is impossible that children will one day changetheir position to become parents, while parents will become children. Such a change only occurs as a drama or play. But assomething that is nature and identity, in principle it remains from thebegining. In this context, the title of this meditation is properly so bysaying: man is special as a man and period. It does not need to be added withthe connection "and", "or", "also". It means thatman should not be given any other alternative, so that he can use his freedomto choose another alternative other than being a human being. Instead, this additional option is considered by Satanto be a flaw. He tempted man to compete with God's power. Man was tempted andhis first fall into sin occurred. There is a common saying that goes in thisway: your strength or power is also your weakness! Man was created in the imageand likeness of God as a human being, which means that he is superior to allother kinds of creation on earth. Even humans are given the trust to take careand to use other creations, as well as to be their protectors. But those advantages and privileges are alsodisadvantages. When he cannot use his power wisely and correctly, it becomes areproach for Satan to deceive man. One way to use power correctly andresponsibly is to be a servant, helper, comforter, and healer of others who aresuffering and who need help. Jesus is our example for this good deeds. If wekeep ourselves busy doing good and serving, Satan will find it difficult todeceive us.Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord, fill uswith Your power so that we can defeat the forces of evil. Glory to the Fatherand to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father...
Fest der heiligen Cyrill und Methodius, Patrone Europas Lesung aus der Apostelgeschichte (Apg 13, 46-49) Aus dem heiligen Evangelium nach Lukas (Lk 10, 1-9) Lob dir Christus Freitag, 14. Februar 2025 ________________________ Lesejahr: C I Sprecher: Marek Gierszał, Thomas Kycia Gesang: Dominikanerschola Ave Florum Flos Musik: Szymon Jakubowski, Tomasz Rojek OP (Lob dir Christus) Jingle: Haroun Sweis Foto: P. Adam Rokosz OP Grafik: Danuta Mikeska-Kycia Projektbetreuung: Thomas Kycia Kontakt: info@bibeltogo.de Mehr auf: https://bibeltogo.de Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bibel_to_go/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BibeltogoPodcast Wie findest du diesen Podcast? Bewerte ihn und schreib uns einen Kommentar auf der Plattform, auf der du ihn gerade gehört hast oder schreib uns eine Mail an info@bibeltogo.de. Erzähle von diesem Podcast deiner Familie, Freunden und Verwandten! So werden noch mehr Menschen Gottes Wort hören können. _________________ Bibel to go. Die Lesungen des Tages Die Lesungen und das Tagesevangelium Das heutige Evangelium vorgelesen Evangelium Tag für Tag Bibel zum Hören Tageslesungen Bibel online Jahreskreis
Psalm 19A Psalm 45 Reading 1: 1 Corinthians 7 Reading 2: From a homily on St. Agatha by St. Methodius of Sicily, bishop Support us at: sthelenaministries.com/support Presentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
The provided text is a scholarly overview of the Syriac Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodius, a seventh-century apocalyptic text falsely attributed to Methodius of Olympus. The analysis explores the text's historical context amidst the Arab conquests, its authorship and transmission through Syriac manuscripts and later translations, and its literary structure and theological themes. Key themes include the role of the Roman emperor, the interpretation of the Arab conquests as fulfilling biblical prophecy, and the importance of steadfastness in the face of tribulation. The study highlights the text's significance within the Syriac Christian tradition and its influence on later apocalyptic literature, both within and outside of the Syriac world. Finally, it summarizes various scholarly approaches to understanding this important historical document. our online courses: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
Every year on the 31st of October, an Eastern European country named Slovenia celebrates Reformation Day - the day Martin Luther posted his 95 theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg. It's a national holiday when people stay home from work and school. Particularly interesting is that less than 1% of Slovenians are Protestant! So why these celebrations? Tune in to Kids Talk Church History as Emma, Christian, and Ruth discuss this with Slovenian historian Todd Hunnicut and delve into the adventurous life of Primoz Trubar, the father of the Slovenian language. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are excited to offer a bundle of Simonetta Carr's books to two listeners! The winner will be selected just in time for Christmas. Register here to win this special giveaway! Show Notes: Episode 46 about Cyril and Methodius: https://kidstalkchurchhistory.podbean.com/e/cyril-lucaris-a-controversial-reformer/ Trubar Forum: https://trubarforum.si/ (Be sure to click on the English setting, unless you read Slovenian!) YouTube videos created by Todd Hunnicut and his teammates about Primoz Trubar: https://youtu.be/aQnARBpsK7k?si=jSUKwt6oXk4wgaM7 https://youtu.be/_MJw39g3834?si=p6nynZojtFN8OclT Article by Simonetta Carr about Primoz Trubar: https://www.placefortruth.org/blog/primo%C5%BE-trubar-%E2%80%93-protestant-reformer-who-fashioned-language Other Resources from Todd Hunnicutt: A small booklet with three chapters summarizing the message of the first Slovene book, the Katekizem. It is designed as an evangelistic tool, but it also shows key ideas from the Katekizem. An English translation of the first printed Slovene song. Here is a link of my wife, myself and a friend singing it in Slovene. The tune is a German church song, but a completely different text. It's a great summary of the Gospel message, mixing the biblical narrative of Genesis 3 and 4 with extra Gospel/Christ comments. Imagine this being the first ever printed song in the language, and the solid, simple Gospel message in it. https://youtu.be/zZ8LgodEFRk?si=IxFDPv1bJVdqKYxi A section introduction and three chapters I wrote for the Slovene version of the missionary/Christian hero biographies book, Hero Tales. A family devotional with stories from Trubar's life that might be the most appealing of these to kids. The final section of the Katekizem, the “Sermon on Faith.” This is key because the phrase “Stand and Withstand” which is well-known, which is on the Slovene €1 coin, is here in its proper context. It's on page 5 in the fourth paragraph. The part before that, where he defines true faith, I find to be very, very profound; I quote this in sermons in English and in Slovene often because it's a gritty, realistic, biblical view of what faith is – basically holding on to God's truth on the Word no matter what.
Special episode dedicated to Cyril and Methodius, who are celebrated each year on 5th July in Czechia.
The two saints were brothers, born in Thessalonica. St Methodius, the elder brother, served as a soldier for ten years before becoming a monk. Cyril was librarian at the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople; then he too became a monk. Their first missionary work was not among the Slavs: When the king of the Khazars (a Mongol people who then inhabited much of what is now Russia) petitioned the Emperor Michael to sent teachers to instruct his people, the Emperor chose Cyril and Methodius as his emissaries. They converted the Khazar king to the Christian faith, along with many of his nobles and commoners. When King Rostislav of Moravia likewise sought teachers of the Christian faith, Cyril and Methodius were again sent forth. This time they devised an alphabet for the Slavic language and used it to translate many of the Greek service books into the language of the people. (In theory, the Orthodox people have always been privileged to hear the Church's services in their own tongue, though often attachment to dead languages has prevented this ideal from becoming reality.) Both brothers were repeatedly attacked by Germanic priests of the region, who opposed the use of the common tongue in the liturgy. At different times, both brothers were forced to appeal for exoneration and protection to the Pope of Rome, who supported them warmly each time. After the two Saints reposed, attacks on their work continued, and their disciples were eventually driven from Moravia. The disciples, fleeing southward, found a warmer welcome among the southern Slavic peoples, and their work bore much fruit in Bulgaria (including modern-day Serbia) and other countries. And, of course, the alphabet that they devised, called Cyrillic after St Cyril, remains the standard alphabet of both the Slavonic service books of the Church and the Slavic languages of today.
The two saints were brothers, born in Thessalonica. St Methodius, the elder brother, served as a soldier for ten years before becoming a monk. Cyril was librarian at the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople; then he too became a monk. Their first missionary work was not among the Slavs: When the king of the Khazars (a Mongol people who then inhabited much of what is now Russia) petitioned the Emperor Michael to sent teachers to instruct his people, the Emperor chose Cyril and Methodius as his emissaries. They converted the Khazar king to the Christian faith, along with many of his nobles and commoners. When King Rostislav of Moravia likewise sought teachers of the Christian faith, Cyril and Methodius were again sent forth. This time they devised an alphabet for the Slavic language and used it to translate many of the Greek service books into the language of the people. (In theory, the Orthodox people have always been privileged to hear the Church's services in their own tongue, though often attachment to dead languages has prevented this ideal from becoming reality.) Both brothers were repeatedly attacked by Germanic priests of the region, who opposed the use of the common tongue in the liturgy. At different times, both brothers were forced to appeal for exoneration and protection to the Pope of Rome, who supported them warmly each time. After the two Saints reposed, attacks on their work continued, and their disciples were eventually driven from Moravia. The disciples, fleeing southward, found a warmer welcome among the southern Slavic peoples, and their work bore much fruit in Bulgaria (including modern-day Serbia) and other countries. And, of course, the alphabet that they devised, called Cyrillic after St Cyril, remains the standard alphabet of both the Slavonic service books of the Church and the Slavic languages of today.
Seventeen hundred years ago this year, Constantine defeated his co-emperor Licinius, ending a series of civil wars and consolidating power as sole emperor of Rome. At the time, Christians saw this as the defeat of old pagan ways and the triumph of a new Christian vision of Rome. Constantine's turn to Christianity began before he abandoned Roman paganism. His children had been tutored by Lactantius, a Christian who opposed coerced worship and argued for religious liberty as long as a religious practice did not disrupt public order. Years later in 312, as Constantine went into battle against a rival, he claimed to have a vision of a symbol of Christ with the words, “in this sign, conquer.” He had his soldiers paint the symbol on their shields. Constantine won the battle and converted to Christianity. The following year, he issued the Edict of Milan, which declared religious liberty across the Empire in terms that Constantine had learned from Lactantius. Constantine has been a controversial figure throughout Church history. Both the genuineness of his conversion and his impact on the Church have been consistently questioned and scrutinized. Many think that Constantine's actions to tie the Church to the empire compromised the Gospel. Often, these arguments are based on a misunderstanding of what Constantine did and fail to consider what followed from the legalization of Christianity. The Edict of Milan legalized Christianity, along with other religions. It did not declare Christianity the official imperial religion. Though Constantine's promotion of Christianity made it more popular, it was not named the imperial religion until Emperor Theodosius I in 380. Even then, Theodosius did not suppress paganism. Despite what you may have read online or seen in The Da Vinci Code movie, Constantine did not dictate doctrine to the Church. When he called the Council of Nicaea in 325 to deal with the question of the nature of Christ, a controversy that was threatening to tear the Church apart, he was performing a traditional function of Roman emperors who often acted as mediators in religious conflicts. Despite claims to the contrary, neither Constantine nor the Council of Nicaea had anything to do with the formation of the canon of Scripture. Constantine did not control the discussion at Nicaea, nor did he dictate the outcome. And even if he had tried, many bishops who attended the council had been tortured by his predecessor Diocletian. If they didn't compromise their faith then, it is silly to assume they would roll over for Constantine. The most direct result of Constantine's conversion was the end of the persecution, torture, and execution of Christians. Obviously, this was welcomed by Christians in his day, but it should also be recognized as a historical good. The Edict of Milan also furthered Christian evangelism. Prior to Constantine, the Gospel had spread to India, Armenia, and Persia, and then from Persia across Central Asia into China by the early 600s. The legalization of Christianity led to churches being founded across the Roman Empire and missionaries sent to regions outside the empire. St. Patrick was a Romanized Briton who grew up as a Christian and brought the Gospel to Ireland. In the fifth century, a Syrian Christian named Frumentius converted the king of Axum in modern Ethiopia. Together, they evangelized that kingdom. Cyril and Methodius brought the Gospel to the Slavic people of Central and Eastern Europe in the ninth century. The evangelization of these regions can be traced to the actions of Constantine. Of course, the legalization of Christianity set up a tug-of-war between Church and state. Because the faith had existed as an illegal and sporadically persecuted minority religion for centuries, the Church functioned fully independent of the state. With Constantine came new questions, such as, what properly belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God? That question remains a central issue of Western political thought today. Even in view of the historical difficulties that emerged from his conversion, we can thank God for Constantine and for the freedom for faith and the Gospel he established. This Breakpoint was co-authored by Dr. Glenn Sunshine. For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, go to breakpoint.org.