34- SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS
		
		
		The brother missionaries Cyril and Methodius are 
		celebrated as the "Apostles to the Slavs.." Born in the 
		Greek community of Thessalonica, they learned the dialect 
		of the Slavs at an early age and could speak it fluently. 
		Cyril, before becoming a monk, was known as Constantine.
		 
		
		The icon shows the two brothers joined together in their 
		missionary effort. Cyril, the monk, wears the monastic 
		habit together with the cross that is characteristic of 
		the monastic life. Methodius, the Bishop, wears the 
		vestments of a hierarch with the characteristic omophorion
		and holds a bishop's staff. The cross with which he 
		blesses is the three-bar cross, symbolic of their mission 
		to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Slavic 
		peoples. Cyril holds a scroll upon which is written the 
		text of Mt. 28: 19, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of 
		all the nations."
		
		
		Cyril and Methodius composed the alphabet that is named 
		after Cyril, The Cyrillic Alphabet, and which is used in 
		the Slavic languages. Thus, Cyril is sometimes shown 
		holding a scroll with this alphabet. These brother 
		Apostles translated the Liturgy and Scriptures into the 
		vernacular and defended its usage, thus further stressing 
		their missionary intentions. This action went a long way 
		toward the growth of the faith of the people. The entire 
		lives of Cyril and Methodius can be summarized as a 
		missionary response to the command of the Gospel to go 
		forth and bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to all 
		mankind. 
		
		
		This command of Christ is also given to us. We are called 
		to translate the Gospel into our day to day living. Our 
		lives should be an invitation to others to follow Christ. 
		Saints Cyril and Methodius stand out to us as exemplars 
		of the missionary character of the Church. 
		
		
		TROPARION -O Cyril and Methodius, inspired by God, your 
		lives were like that of the Apostles. Since you were 
		Teachers of the Slavs, intercede with the Master of All 
		that He may strengthen all Slavic peoples in the true 
		faith, and that He may grant peace to the world and great 
		mercy to our souls.

		I am the beginning and my end
		
		
		The ancients knew the connection between man and the Divine. 
		They knew that buried beneath the personality, perceptions and 
		self - imposed limitations there lies a spirit of unlimited 
		possibility. They knew that you choose with your thoughts the 
		shape and form of your life. You create with your words the 
		conditions that you will face. You limit with your fear the 
		coming forth of your desires. You destroy with your blame the 
		direction of your destiny. The ancient ones knew that only 
		with diligent maintenance of the mind and emotions would man 
		master his fate. Because the blood of the ancient ones runs 
		through your veins, you have the same knowledge. You have the 
		ability to be what you want in the place you may choose. 
		Simply follow the divine prescription for unfettered success, 
		"Begin within."
		
		
		May I assune whatever form I want in whatever space my spirit 
		wishes to be
		

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