Methodius, Enlightener of the Slavs

Methodius, elder brother of St Cyril, was born in Thessalonica and served as a Byzantine administrator before becoming a monk. In 863, at the request of Prince Rastislav, the emperor sent the brothers to Great Moravia, where they translated the Scriptures and services into the Slavonic tongue using the newly devised alphabet, laying the foundation of Slavic Christian literature. After Cyril's death in Rome in 869, Methodius was consecrated archbishop for the Slavic lands. His use of the Slavonic liturgy provoked fierce opposition from Frankish clergy, who had him imprisoned for over two years until the pope secured his release. He continued translating the sacred books until his repose on April 6, 885. With his brother he is honored as Equal-to-the-Apostles, and their labors shaped the faith and culture of the Slavic peoples.