SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS
Bishop and Confessors
Bishop and Confessors
DOUBLE / WHITE
In Constantinople in the ninth century there lived two gifted and holy brothers, Methodius and Cyril. Emperor Michael III sent them to evangelize the Slavic Moravian Empire in Central Europe, and Christian life was soon flourishing in that land. In 869 the brother missioners journeyed to Rome, where Pope Adrian II consecrated them bishops. Shortly afterward Cyril died. During another 16 years Methodius labored heroically to make Moravia wholly Christian. The Slavs venerate SS. Cyril and Methodius as the foremost among those who brought them to the knowledge of Christ.
INTROIT Ps. 131:9-10Let Your priests be clothed with justice, O Lord, and let Your saints be joyous. For the sake of David, Your servant, turn not away the face of Your anointed.
Ps. 131:1. O Lord, remember David and all his meekness.
V. Glory be . . .
COLLECT
O Almighty and Eternal God, the preaching of the blessed confessor bishops Cyril and Methodius brought the Slavonic nations the knowledge of Your holy name. May we who now glory in their feast join them one day in the fellowship of heaven. Through our Lord . . .
EPISTLE Heb. 7:23-27
Brethren: And the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue: But this, for that he continueth for ever, hath an everlasting priesthood: Whereby he is able also to save for ever them that come to God by him; always living to make intercession for us. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens: Who needeth not daily (as the other priests) to offer sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, in offering himself, Jesus Christ our Lord.
GRADUAL Ps. 131:16-17
I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall rejoice with exceeding joy.
V. There will I bring forth an heir to David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed.
Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 109:4
The Lord has sworn, and He will not repent: "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedech." Alleluia!
GOSPEL Luke 10:1-9
At that time, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two. And he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. And he said to them: "The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send labourers into his harvest. Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick that are therein and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 67:36
God is wonderful in His saints. The God of Israel Himself gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!
SECRET
Look favorably on the prayers and offerings of Your people, O Lord. May this celebration of the feast of Your saints please You and bring us Your merciful help. Through our Lord . . .
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 10:27
"What I tell you in darkness, speak it in the light," says the Lord, "and what you hear whispered, preach it on the housetops."
POSTCOMMUNION
Almighty God, you have given us these Heavenly Gifts. Grant us the grace to despise all earthly gifts through the intercession of Your saints Cyril and Methodius. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
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| 11th-century fresco in the Basilica of San Clemente, Rome: Saints Cyril and Methodius bring Saint Clement's relics to Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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