Cyril, Equal-to-the-Apostles & Teacher of the Slavs
Saint Cyril was born in Thessaloniki in the early 9th century to pious parents. His family was one of only a few Byzantines in Thessaloniki at that time since it was largely populated by Slavs. Growing up in this situation, Cyril learned the Slavonic language, which later in life would serve him and the Church at large. He continued his education in Constantinople with his brother Methodios (see May 11th), each taking to their particular interests: Methodios in politics, and Cyril in philosophy and teaching.
The two brothers were approached in 850 by Saint Photios the Great (see February 6th) to lead a diplomatic mission to the Khazars, the people who inhabited the western shore of the Caspian Sea. Cyril and Methodios accepted this mission and departed to the North. After the success of this trip, the brothers lived for a time in a monastery on Mount Olympus where Methodios became a monk. At this time the brothers utilized their childhood Slavonic education to develop a written alphabet for the Slavonic language, which to this time had never existed. This alphabet became known as the Glagolithic Alphabet. On their own instigation, the brothers began translating the Gospels and liturgical service books into Slavonic.
Providentially, Cyril and Methodios were again called upon for a mission, this time to travel to Moravia to spread the Christian faith to King Rostislav (see May 11th) and his people. The brothers departed in 862, bringing with them their Slavonic alphabet and service books. After five years of service, the brothers made their way to Rome in 867 to have members of their company ordained to the priesthood to aid in the missionary journey. The group of missionaries celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Rome in the Slavonic language for the very first time with members of their party being ordained as they intended. While in Rome, Cyril fell deathly ill. He was tonsured a monk and died. His brother Methodios continued their missionary work, utilizing the Glagolthic Alphabet. Cyril and his brother Methodios are commemorated together on May 11th.
As we are gradually returning to church services, we want to have more of you actively participate in the liturgy and the other church services by being a Reader for the Epistles, Psalms, and other prayers offered during the services. You can choose to read in Greek or English.
Faith in the time of Covid-19 by Elpidophoros Lambriniadis, Archbishop of America. The archdiocese has published a collection of homilies and pastoral messages offered by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros during Great Lent last year. These messages help us understand the church’s thoughts during this very difficult time of the pandemic. You can learn more and order the book on the 
In Thy Presence by Lev Gillet. In this book Fr. Gillet offers beautiful meditations on selected bible readings and turns them into one- or two-page everyday conversations between God and his beloved children. The message of this book is calming, with passages that are easy on your mind – and that just might help you sleep more peacefully!
Sacred Symbols That Speak by Anthony M. Coniaris. In this two-volume set, Fr. Coniaris brings to life the sacred symbols through which Orthodox Christians celebrate their faith. In twelve brief chapters and clear prose, he examines the spiritual meaning of symbols such as aroma, kneeling, and silence; the sacraments; as well as the Pantocrator and the Great Feasts of the church.
Pictures of God by John Kosmas Skinas. A photo journal written for children in grades 1-4, this sturdy, colorful volume describes icons from around the world. Beginning readers will find it easy to understand – and adults reading it aloud with younger children will be surprised to learn a lot too!
