*** *** *** Sts. Cyril (d.869) and Methodius (d.885) were brothers who evangelized Moravia, Bohemia, and Bulgaria. Their ardent love for Christ would drive them to renounce wealth and status in order to fully commit themselves in service to the Lord. In 1980, St. John Paul II proclaimed them patron saints of Europe.

“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.” (Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal)