Saints Cyril and Methodius
Cyril and Methodius were born in Macedonia. Kirill was named Konstantin at birth. Methodius, according to some sources, bore the name Michael, but there are historians who question this statement. Their father was a military leader, and their grandfather was an influential and wealthy nobleman who had fallen out of favor. Both brothers spoke Slavic from early childhood, because it was their mother’s native language.
Methodius successfully built a military career, but 10 years later he became a monk. Konstantin, who graduated from a prestigious educational institution in Byzantium, also took this path. By this time he had become famous as a linguist and philosopher, and also became a librarian under the Patriarch. He wanted to live in a monastery, but the Patriarch's envoys convinced him to take a teaching position at the university.
The brothers headed an important embassy to the Khazars, who then lived in what is now southern Russia. The missionaries used their eloquence to encourage Muslims and Jews to accept Christianity.
Thanks to the brothers’ work, the Slavic alphabet and translations of the sacred scriptures appeared. It was the brothers who first translated the Gospel. Thanks to them, Divine services can be conducted not only in Latin and Greek, but also in the native language of believers. Their efforts were rewarded. Methodius was elevated to the rank of bishop, and his brother accepted the schema. After death, they were both canonized as saints equal to the apostles.
Orthodox prayer - Orthodox book
Saints Methodius (815–885) and Cyril, who before taking the schema bore the name Constantine (827–869), are brothers from a pious family that lived in the Greek city of Thessaloniki (Macedonia). The elder brother Methodius, leaving the post of governor, went to a monastery on Mount Olympus, where he studied the sacred books. Konstantin received an excellent education, mastered many sciences and languages, for which he received the nickname “Philosopher” (wise); in the rank of priest he was appointed custodian of the patriarchal library. Subsequently, he retired to the monastery, where his brother Methodius labored, and began studying the Slavic language. On behalf of the emperor, Constantine, together with Methodius and his disciples, compiled the Slavic alphabet in 863 and translated the Gospel, Psalter and other liturgical books into Slavic. After this, the brothers went to Moravia, where they taught worship in the Slavic language. Subsequently, the Pope approved worship in the Slavic language, including the Divine Liturgy. In Rome, Constantine, foreseeing the date of his death, took the schema with the name Cyril and died on February 14, 869 (February 14/27). After the death of Cyril, Methodius was ordained archbishop of Moravia and Pannonia; he continued to spread worship, writing and books in the Slavic language, preaching Christ to the Czechs, Croats, Dalmatians and other Slavic peoples. Saint Methodius, with the help of two disciples, translated the Old Testament (except for the Maccabean books), the Nomocanon (Rules of the Holy Fathers) and the patristic books (Paterikon) into Slavic. The Equal-to-the-Apostles educators of the Slavs are addressed with prayers for the enlightenment of the mind and the acquisition of spiritual literacy, the gift of intelligence and desire to learn to children, assistance to children and adults in learning sciences, evasion of false and alien teachings to Orthodoxy, pacification of strife and strife among fellow believers, preservation of the Slavic states from all evil.
Prayer to Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius, Slovenian teacher
O glorification of the language of the Slovenian teachers and educators, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Methodius and Cyril! To you, as children of your father, enlightened by the light of your teachings and writings and instructed in the faith of Christ, we now earnestly resort to you and pray in contrition of our hearts. Even if your covenant, like children disobedient, was not kept and about pleasing God, as if purified, careless, and from like-mindedness and love, even in words, like brothers in faith and in the flesh, you made a good testament, an apostate; Moreover, just as in ancient times in your life you did not turn away the ungrateful and unworthy, but rewarded evil with good things, so now you will not turn away your sinful and unworthy children from your prayers, but as those who have great boldness towards the Lord, diligently pray to Him, that He may instruct and turn us to The path of salvation, the discord and discord that arises among brothers of the same faith, will pacify those who have fallen away into unanimity, and will unite us all with unity of spirit and love in one, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We know, we know, how much the prayer of a righteous person can do for the mercy of the Lord, even if it is offered for sinful people. Do not forsake us, your sad and unworthy children, for the sake of whose sin your flock, gathered by you, is divided by enmity and seduced by temptations from the Gentiles, has diminished, and its verbal sheep are scattered, admired by mental wolves; Give us, through your prayers for Orthodoxy, zeal, so that, fueled by it, we will well preserve the traditions of our fathers, we will faithfully observe the statutes and customs of the church, we will run away from all strange false teachings, and so, in a life pleasing to God on earth, we will be worthy of heavenly life in heaven, and there together with you, we will glorify the Lord of all, in the Trinity of the One God, forever and ever. Amen.
© Mikhail Tikhomirov Quoted in abbreviation from the book: PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS OF GOD WITH BRIEF INFORMATION ABOUT LIVES AND HELP FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS. – M.: Publishing house. Tikhomirova M.Yu., 2022.
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What do the holy brothers pray for?
People most often pray to Saints Cyril and Methodius when they want to get help in their studies. Missionary brothers also help the Slavic peoples to adhere to the true faith and live in piety. They pray to the saints for protection from heresy and other faiths.
People who are associated with gaining knowledge often turn to them with appeals. For example, teachers, students and parents. Saints also help to remove fears that hinder one's studies or performances. But the brothers are asking for more than just academic and career success. For example, fathers and mothers who have sons with these names may ask for the well-being of the child. Prayers for children on their birthday are considered especially effective.
Prayers to Cyril and Methodius
Even those who know the subject or understand the information are very worried before knowledge tests, as well as other important situations. Some conscientious people have difficulty remembering information. There are those who lose control of themselves due to extreme stress. And there are also people who cannot concentrate due to anxiety.
Prayer to Saints Cyril and Methodius will help in such and other situations.
First
Oh, glorified enlightener of the Slovenian languages, saints Equal to the Apostles Methodius and Cyril, your writings and teachings have been enlightened by the light and have been taught in the faith of Christ, like a child to his father. Now we earnestly come running and with contrition of heart we pray: even if we fail to keep your covenants, to please God we neglect and from the brotherly unanimity in the faith of those who have fallen away, even as in ancient times in your earthly life, you will not turn away the sinners and the unworthy even today, but, as those who have great things, boldly come to the Lord Know, pray diligently to Him, that He may turn us to the path of salvation, that He may pacify the discord of those of the same faith May he lead those who have fallen away to unanimity and unite us all with the spirit of love into the One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church! We know how much the prayer of the righteous can do through the mercy of the Lord. Do not forsake us, sad and unworthy, your children, and for the sake of sins your flock, divided by enmity and seduced by the temptations of the heterodox, have diminished, but the sheep of words, torn to pieces, are admired wolves are destructive. Give us through your prayers the zeal of Orthodoxy, so that we will preserve the fatherly tradition well, we will faithfully observe the canons of the church, we will run away from all strange false teachings and, thus, in the life of God In the future, we will prosper in the life of paradise in Heaven, where together with you we will glorify the One God in the Trinity forever and ever . Amen.
Second
Oh, all-validated Equal-to-the-Apostles Methodius and Cyril, falling before your venerable icon, we earnestly pray to you: look mercifully upon us, who through your labors have enlightened nature, and protect us from our ignorance By your great intercession from the evil machinations of the enemy! Look now at this vineyard, which you planted naturally, and do not give it up to the wild boar. Preserve, holy saints of God, our Orthodox Church, from afar you have been given nature on the Cornerstone, Christ, for let it be immovable, but let the waves of every little thing be scattered on this Stone Maria. Strengthen our shepherds in all virtues and in the struggle of preaching, and instruct the flock to listen to their voices. Save the entire Slovenian country from all poverty, from fire and sword, from deadly plagues and from all evil. Hear every person who comes to you with faith and demands your gracious help. In the terrible hour of death, present to all of us the blazing intercessors and the dark eyes of the demons, driving away, so that in peace and repentance we will end our earthly career, we will achieve the eternal blessings of pleasure and, together with you, We glorify the Most Holy Trinity - the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Third
Oh, glorify the language of the Slovenian teachers and enlightenment, and saints Equal to the Apostles Methodius and Cyril! To you, as children of our father, with the light of your teachings and writings of enlightenment and instruction in the faith of Christ, we now diligently resort to you and in the contrition of our hearts we pray. For if your covenant, as disobedient children, was not kept, and to please God, as you taught carelessly, and from like-mindedness and love, even in Slovenia, as to brothers in faith and in the flesh, You bequeathed, fallen away: both, as in ancient times in your lives you did not turn away the ungrateful and unworthy, but rewarded evil with good ones, so even now you will not turn away your sinful and unworthy children from prayer, but as those who have greatness have boldness in God Lord, pray diligently to Him that He may guide and turn us to the path of salvation; and the discord that arises among brothers of the same faith, may he pacify the fallen ones into unanimity and unite us all with unity of spirit and love in the Unity, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church . We know, we know, how much the prayer of a righteous person can do for the mercy of the Lord, even if it is offered for sinful people. Do not forsake us, your sad and unworthy children, for whose sin your flock, gathered by you, is divided by enmity and seduced by temptations from the Gentiles, has diminished, and its sheep are wise I, scattered from the mental wolves, admire: give us zeal for Orthodoxy through your prayers Let us be warmed by it, we will preserve the fatherly tradition well, we will faithfully observe the statutes and customs of the church, we will run away from all strange false teachings, and so we will prosper in a life pleasing to God on earth Indeed, we will be worthy of heavenly life in Heaven and there with you, together with the Lord of all, in the Trinity of the One God, Let us glorify it forever and ever. Amen.
Fourth
Oh, saints Equal to the Apostles Methodius and Cyril! Now we earnestly resort to you and in the contrition of our hearts we pray: pray to the Lord to guide and turn us onto the path of salvation. Do not forsake us, your unworthy children (names), give us, through your prayers, zeal for Orthodoxy, and with it, kindled, we will preserve the fatherly tradition well, faithfully observe the charters and customs of the church. Let us strive to run away from all strange false teachings, and so live a life pleasing to God on earth prosperingly, we will become worthy of the life of paradise in heaven, and there together with you we will glorify the Lord of all, in the Trinity of the One God, forever and ever.
Troparion
As the apostle of unity/ and the Slovenian countries, teachers,/ Cyril and Methodius the God of God,/ pray to the Lord of all,/ to establish all Slovenian languages in Orthodoxy and unanimity,/ to pacify peace // and save our souls.
Translation: To the like-minded apostles and teachers of the Slavic countries, Cyril and Methodius, God-wise, pray to the Lord of all, all Slavic peoples to establish Orthodoxy and unanimity, to protect the world with peace and to save our souls.
Kontakion
We honor the sacred duo of our enlighteners, / the Divine Scriptures, by translating the source of knowledge of God, who poured out for us, / from which we even draw endlessly to this day, / we please you, Cyril and Methodius, / Presto To those who are to come // and warmly praying for our souls.
Translation: We honor the sacred duo of our enlighteners, who through the translation of the Divine Scriptures have poured forth the source of knowledge of God for us, from which even to this day we draw abundantly, we glorify you, Cyril and Methodius, who stand before the Throne of the Most High and earnestly pray for our souls.
Akathist to Saints Methodius and Cyril, Equal to the Apostles, Slovenian teacher
Kontakion 1
Chosen by the King of Powers, the Lord Jesus, as the Apostles in the Slovenian language, Methodius and Cyril of God's Wisdom, we praise you, our representatives, with songs; But you, who have boldness towards the Lord, free us from all misfortunes through your intercession, calling: Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Ikos 1
The Creator of angels and the Lord of hosts grant you to be enlighteners of the Slovenian language; For this reason, His grace was with you, protecting and strengthening you all the days of your life, even as you have a helper for yourself, the glory of God in cities and deserts, deeds and words were broadcast to everyone. In the same way, we, like a branch of the tongue, enlightened by the faith of Christ, sing to you, saying: Rejoice, joys of the Gospel gospel; Rejoice, bearer of miraculous grace. Rejoice, you who have received many sorrows for the name of the Lord; Rejoice, having rejected the charms of this world. Rejoice, blessed by God; Rejoice, confessor crowns adorned by Him. Rejoice, for having despised the glory of man, you naturally sought the Lord in the desert; Rejoice, for His will was proclaimed to the mighty of this world with much boldness. Rejoice, for these sakes, from the Lord of all, the bright acceptance into heaven; Rejoice, our warm intercessors are before Him. Rejoice, for through your prayers our faith has been strengthened by the imams; Rejoice, for through your intercession the heresies have been overcome by money-grubbers. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 2
Saint Cyril, still a young boy, saw a vision in the night that he would choose his virgin sister Sophia as his parent, this is the story. These, having understood the will of God here, in being a servant of their wisdom as a child, were concerned about teaching and punishing him, seeing his speedy progress in his mind, he sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Having misunderstood the mind and testing the nature of beings, Cyril excelled in wisdom more than his peers and, while still a youth, became famous, and was installed in the royal chambers as a good image for the young son of the Tsar. But, having despised earthly wealth and glory and seeking salvation only for the need of salvation, he moved into the desert, so that through prayers and prayers he would achieve dispassion. For this reason, Methodius, already a commander, went to Mount Olympus, where he served the Lord like a monk. In the same way, let us also learn to despise the temptations of the world, and especially to please Christ God, His saints chanting: Rejoice in the glory that came from men who were not deceived; Rejoice, you who have clung tightly to the desert lifestyle. Rejoice, for the Lord has enlightened you in dreams and visions; Rejoice, for human wisdom also helps you in salvation. Rejoice, for you have naturally loved the Word of God and the holy fathers of Scripture more than philosophy; Rejoice, for you are not hearers of the Lord's law and forgetful, but doers. Rejoice, for the wiles of the devil, who come against the desert-dwellers, have naturally prevailed; Rejoice, for for these sakes you have been given power over temptations and passions. Rejoice, for through your labors you have won the crown of life; Rejoice, for even now you are an ascetic and fasting helper of nature. Rejoice, for all sinners before God have the blessing of an intercessor; Rejoice, O protector of our souls from the flattery of Satan. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 3
The power of the king’s prayers forced St. Cyril to leave the desert for the sake of pastoral service in Constantinople, where the glory of God was taught and deeds were taught and the iconoclastic heresy was put to shame. Likewise, O Holy Father, confirm us in Orthodoxy, and return our fellow tribesmen who have fallen away from the true faith to common faith, so that all Slovenes with one mouth cry out for their enlighteners to Christ God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having the power of wisdom, you, Saint Cyril, flowed with the monk George to the Hagarians for the sake of faith, and from Saint Gregory the Theologian we spiritually enlighten, you showed the wisdom of the mystery of the Holy Trinity in many similarities, shaming the wicked by the power of your words. But you, inflamed with envy, wanted to destroy you with a potion, which you had eaten, but you did not suffer any harm, but you arrived healthy at the monastery of Saint Methodius, and with him you took on the monastic labors again, and the desert of your exploits was illuminated with light. In the same way, enlighten us with your intercession, singing with love: Rejoice, cymbals of the goodwill of the glory of God; Rejoice, pillars of His Church. Rejoice, you who preached the mystery of the Trinity in likenesses; Rejoice, you who fearlessly confessed the incarnation of God the Word before the Saracens. Rejoice, enlightener of Greeks and Jews and barbarians; Rejoice, gospel of the Triune Godhead. Rejoice, for you have been put to shame by iconoclastic flattery; Rejoice, for the wickedness of the Hagarites fades away from you. Rejoice, for you are teachers who do not know the truth of Christ; Rejoice, for when tempted by doubt you find guides in the faith. Rejoice, for those who have angered the Lord will have representatives before Him; Rejoice, for you are the protectors of those who please Him. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 4
Destroy the storm of various troubles and evils that has come upon the Slovenian tongues, through your intercession, venerable ones, as you have received many lots of ministries, and in the person of the apostles, and in the venerable host, and in the teachers of honor, and in the confessors of the army, the Lord has made you, and all Slovenes cry out to Him for you: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing that King Kozaresk is professing the true faith in the land of the Hellenes, ask the King of Byzantium for teachers of Orthodoxy. This same begged Saints Cyril and Methodius to leave the desert and sail along the Pont Euxine to Kozar. Having come to them, the holy brethren turned their hearts to Christ and taught them saving Baptism. In the same way, we will glorify the brothers equal to the apostles, saying: Rejoice, you who were not afraid to go to the barbarians with the Gospel gospel; Rejoice, having illuminated the sea with your glorious procession there. Rejoice, for the incorruptible relics of the Holy Apostle Clement were obtained from you; Rejoice, for through this help the wickedness of the Kozars has been put to shame from you. Rejoice, for you have given the light of Christ to the midnight land of nature; Rejoice, for the glory of your righteousness has spread to all the ends of the earth. Rejoice, intercession and confirmation of the Church of Christ; Rejoice, our strong defense is against heresies and schisms. Rejoice, you who received reproach from the Hagarians and Jews for Christ; Rejoice, you who have received a blessing from the relics of the martyr. Rejoice, having taught us to honor the saints through your good way of life; Rejoice, and you yourself, as saints of God, are confessed by all Orthodox Christians. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 5
The God-bearing star appeared to you, the incorruptible body of Saint Clymet, floating on the waves of the Pontus Euxinus, lying hidden at its bottom for seven hundred years. The Lord showed you that the Lord works miracles as a sign of your apostolic labors and your confessional sorrows. Before you know it, cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the holy brethren of their fellow tribes professing the true faith, but not speaking the word of God in their language of honor, they endeavored to translate the Divine books into the Slovenian language, so that all people would glorify the same Lord in their own language; In the same way, we will glorify the Lord about our saints, and to them we will cry out: Rejoice, giver of Christ’s light to foreign people; Rejoice, enlightener of the Slovenians, your fellow tribesmen. Rejoice, worker of the grapes of Christ; Rejoice, good shepherd of the flock of Jesus. Rejoice, the words of God are faithful interpreters; Rejoice, our blasy and meek teachers. Rejoice, having carried the peace of Christ with you everywhere; Rejoice, you who have enlightened the whole world with the light of your teachings. Rejoice, you who now accept the prayers of us sinners; Rejoice, you who now send comfort to the sad. Rejoice, all of you, for the truth of the oppressed, a refuge; Rejoice, most holy dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Elephant apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 6
Formerly preachers of God-bearing, the holy brethren in the Slovenian countries wanted to enlighten newly baptized people with the teachings of Christ. And these, seeing you as bright angels, bringing salvation to those who are to come, as good shepherds laying down their lives for the sheep, cried out to God who glorifies His holiness: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The dawn of the true faith arose in Moravia, asking the princes of Slovenia from the Byzantine king to teach their country and strengthen the people. Having heard these prayers, Saints Methodius and Cyril moved to the Slovenian countries, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to the Slovenian people. Having already seen, I rejoiced at the word and, flowing from everywhere to the holy brethren, learned the law of God, glorifying the Lord and praising our enlighteners, with them we too will sing the praises of Methodius and Cyril, crying out: Rejoice, our God-speaking apostles; Rejoice, our teachers of grace. Rejoice, our confessors, who have much boldness; Rejoice, our holy hermits. Rejoice, our prayer books are warm; Rejoice, our holy wonderworkers. Rejoice, glorify God with all your tongues; Rejoice, you who have solemnly exposed the trilingual heresy. Rejoice, Slovenian consolation in a year of sorrow; Rejoice, in difficult circumstances, their hope and intercession. Rejoice, you who bring penitential prayers to the Lord of all; Rejoice, and those who pray for us will also go to Him. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to expel you from the Slovenian countries, you slandered the priestess of Latinity before the Bishop of Rome. When this one, with the relics of Saint Clement, came to see you and take away your orthodoxy and good life, having shamefully slandered you covetous people, bless you in the name of Christ, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The holy brethren appeared to the marvelous apostles, having no rest in their labors: Saint Cyril was exhausted from the exploits of many, and soon after his arrival in Rome his life expired. Saint Methodius, strengthened by the zeal of his brother and honored by the bishop's grace from Pope Adrian, returned to Moravia and Pannonia for a new feat, where he endured great labors; Having marveled at them, let us sing to the holy brethren, calling: Rejoice, good servants of Christ; Rejoice, for even to death you have returned to the truth of your true nature. Rejoice, O Lord, and not those who please man; Rejoice, for His name has received reproach from men. Rejoice, having labored in the field of the Lord throughout your life; Rejoice, even after death you were not separated from your flock by love. Rejoice, light of the world and salt of the former earth; Rejoice, like a lamp that burns in the darkness, shining with your tongue. Rejoice, for a city on top of a mountain is not hidden from the faithful and the unfaithful; Rejoice, having done the commandments of the Lord and taught others. Rejoice, for this sake of greatness in the Kingdom of God; Rejoice, on earth in the Church of the Lord glorified. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 8
It is strange that the repose of St. Cyril appeared to everyone, not thinking about the life of this time, but praying to the Lord for the newly enlightened churches that he would establish in Orthodoxy and protect me from the trilingual heresy and other misfortunes and troubles, while admonishing St. Methodius, saying: “Behold, brother , the wife of Byakhove’s oxen, I weigh the reins alone, and I fall in the forest, having finished the flow; You love the holy mountain Velma, do not mop the mountains for the sake of abandoning the teaching of the Slovenian languages.” Moreover, marveling at the capital of the zeal of the holy brethren, let us sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Having been completely devoted in soul and body to the covenants of his brother, Saint Methodius was not afraid of the pardons of princes, nor slander from Latin priests, nor imprisonment in prison, but all this, like a worthy warrior of Christ, enduring, did not cease to speak the Slovenian languages and to guide and enlighten his flock with goodness. , so that in old age you may rest in your sleep and repose in the blessed abode of paradise with Saint Cyril. To them we will sing warmly: Rejoice, crown of patience on the wedding land; Rejoice, shining with eternal light in heaven. Rejoice, ascetics, poor in spirit, for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven; Rejoice, you who have wept a lot, for you will be richly consoled. Rejoice, meek ones, for you are heirs in Christ of the Slovenian land; Rejoice, you who have hungered and thirsted for righteousness, for you have been satisfied in the villages of heaven. Rejoice, O mercy, for you are not only granted mercy by nature, but are also quick intercessors of mercy from God to others; Rejoice, pure in heart, for today you see God face to face. Rejoice, peacemakers who were once men, as they were called sons of God; Rejoice in the exile of righteousness, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Rejoice, for you quickly accepted hatred from people and persecution and slander for Christ’s sake; Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is abundant in heaven. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 9
All sorts of intrigues that came to the Slovenian countries, they cheerfully destroyed the nature, reverend ones, and even now you will not abandon us, humble and sinners, but strengthen all Slovenes in Orthodoxy and like-mindedness, so that with one mouth and one heart we all cry out to God who glorified you: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The oracles of many things, like voiceless fish, we see about you, reverend, they are perplexed, because in the desert the spirit hovered naturally, and in the midst of people, vigilant deeds of labor. We, rejoicing, like such imams, teachers and prayer books, glorify you, saying: Rejoice, confessors of the true faith; Rejoice, heirs of the Kingdom of God. Rejoice, denunciation of iconoclastic heresies; Rejoice, disgrace of Judaism. Rejoice, you who have trampled upon the trilingual heresy; Rejoice, having opened the doors of the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, soldiers of Christ, still in the life of His crowning glory; Rejoice, and in your glory you have kept the spirit of humility and wisdom. Rejoice, evil one, like Isaiah and Jeremiah, who received good from their fellow tribesmen; Rejoice, as Daniel and Esther, who interceded for their tongue. Rejoice, with all the saints, illuminated by the unflickering light; Rejoice, with all the saints of God who pray to the Lord for us sinners. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 10
To save the new flock of Christ from mental wolves, Saint Methodius on his deathbed, his great disciples, prayingly stood firm in the true faith, fearing less than the snares of the enemy, but also in sorrows and misfortunes to thank God for everything, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The wall is natural to all, about Orthodoxy to those who work, and the intercession of those who flow to you with faith, Methodius and Cyril of God’s wisdom, for the Creator of heaven and earth chose you to be fishers of man on earth, and afterward in heaven you are counted among the apostles. In the same way, beg for His grace to bestow upon us as a gift, tenderly crying out like this: Rejoice, adorned with virtues like fine linen; Rejoice, having been compared with Solomon in wisdom. Rejoice, having become like the great Anthony and Pachomius through abstinence and prayer; Rejoice, as the Great Basil and John Chrysostom, gifted with the power of words. Rejoice, for you are like Joseph in chastity; Rejoice, you who imitated the patience of Joblem. Rejoice, you who competed with the king and the prophet David in kindness; Rejoice, having become like Elijah in your zeal for faith. Rejoice, for, like Paul and John the Theologian, you naturally loved Christ God; Rejoice, for Daniel and the three youths courageously glorified God. Rejoice, for you live together as angels and saints of God; Rejoice, for we too, sinners, call on your name with faith. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 11
Bringing grateful singing to the Lord, who has given you to us sinners, we pray with tenderness that you, our holy teachers, do not disdain our laziness for our sake, and even retreat from us for the sake of our iniquities, but ask mercy from the Lord for all who cry out to Him for you: Alleluia .
Ikos 11
Praising the luminous apostle of the Slovenian duo, faithfully, let us eliminate our strife in discord, and moreover divisions in faith, and the unity of the spirit in the union of peace is observed, let us sing to the holy teachers like this: Rejoice, loud trumpets of the Gospel gospel; Rejoice, harp of the sweet-sounding sermon of salvation. Rejoice, strong planters of righteousness; Rejoice, destroyer of unwavering unrighteousness. Rejoice, givers of joy to all who have been; Rejoice, having received the sorrows of attacks from everywhere. Rejoice, you who did not seek bribes and rewards for your labor from people; Rejoice, you who prayed to God for ungrateful people. Rejoice, angel of God and His saints, who brought joy to His exploits and virtues; Rejoice, eternal joys are with them in the abodes of blessed pleasure. Rejoice, O stars, shining with the light of truth; Rejoice, your own virtues being illuminated by the light. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 12
Ask for the grace of unity and peace for us, venerable ones, and peace throughout the whole world until the end of your worldly life, who preached the gospel, as if we, freed from all schisms and temptations, in peace, like friends, will sing to the Lord who loved you and is the only peacemaker: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your wondrous life on earth and the glory that is in heaven, we thoughtfully, humbly pray to you, holy teachers, who have granted power from above to the invisible and visible enemies of the Orthodox Christian, and brought the Slovenian peoples into the unity of faith, all singing, faithfully crying: Rejoice, Orthodoxy solid fencing; Rejoice, living reproof of unbelief. Rejoice, the procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father, just as in ancient times those who confessed it received; Rejoice, for you to perform God’s service to each other with your own tongue. Rejoice, the righteous are established in righteousness; Rejoice, and turn the lawless to the law. Rejoice, for through you we also breathe in fulfillment to the Church; Rejoice, for you have reached the word of God in a language familiar to us. Rejoice, for through your prayers, like a strong shield, we protect ourselves from our enemies; Rejoice, for through your intercession we have been granted eternal life. Rejoice, all the shepherds and fathers, for whose sake are all the brethren; Rejoice, for for your sake, brethren who are in the flesh and brethren in spirit, we were made unto Christ. Rejoice, Methodius and Cyril, language of the Slovenian apostles and teacher of divine wisdom.
Kontakion 13
About the wonderful and wondrous language of the Slovenian teachers, Saints Methodius and Cyril, Equal-to-the-Apostles, who have accepted our prayer today, free all Slovenes from the evils and troubles that befall them, preserve them in peace and unity, and through your intercession bring to the Kingdom of Heaven everyone who sings to God in tenderness for you: Alleluia.
(This Kontakion is read three times, then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1)
Reading rules
It is believed that prayers are most powerful on the day of remembrance of saints. In addition, there are rules that must be followed in order for the saints to respond to a request. Those who turn to the saints should:
- Trust in God. Otherwise there will be no result from prayer;
- learn the text of the appeal from memory, but if this is very difficult, then you need to rewrite it with your own hands and read it thoughtfully;
- remain silent about the fact that they resorted to such a means. Prayer must remain a sacrament, so no one should know about it;
- read the appeal slowly, pass it through your mind and heart. After all, only thanks to this does it reach the Lord.
You also need to know that the one who prays to his own patron:
- in the morning for the whole day can receive strong protection from evil surroundings and disputes. And such a person is also inspired to perform actions pleasing to God;
- in the evening he can receive protection in a dream from the negative effects of evil spirits and witchcraft.
It is important to understand that prayer is not a substitute for preparation. It helps, but does not relieve you from work. The text of the prayer is difficult, but for those who believe, this will not be an obstacle.
