Czechs mark legacy of Greek missionaries Cyril and Methodius
July 5th is a public holiday in the Czech Republic dedicated to honoring the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the two Byzantine brothers who arrived in Great Moravia in 863 with the mission to spread Christianity and bring literacy to the Slavic peoples.
Often called the “Apostles to the Slavs,” Cyril and Methodius are credited with laying the cultural and spiritual foundations of the Slavic world. As creators of the Glagolitic alphabet -the first alphabet designed specifically for the Slavic language- they enabled the translation of sacred texts into what would become Church Slavonic, making the Christian message accessible to the local population. Their pioneering work earned them the title “fathers of Slavonic literature.”
Born into an influential Greek family in Thessalonica, both brothers chose a life of religious devotion and scholarship over comfort and prestige. Their mission to Great Moravia was not only spiritual but also deeply political and cultural, aimed at creating a Slavic liturgy that would reduce dependence on Latin and German clergy and bolster the local church’s autonomy.
Their influence extended far beyond their lifetime. Though Cyril died in Rome in 869, Methodius continued their work and was later appointed archbishop of Great Moravia. The brothers' disciples carried their teachings further, spreading literacy and Christianity throughout Eastern and Southern Europe.
Today, thousands of people gather each year at the Velehrad pilgrimage site, closely associated with the arrival of the missionaries, to celebrate their enduring legacy. Festivities include an open-air mass, exhibitions, educational lectures, public debates, and a large charity concert as part of the Days of People of Goodwill festival. The event is not only a tribute to two of the most important figures in Slavic history, but also a celebration of shared cultural heritage, unity, and moral values.
