CYRIL and METHODIUS -Bible Translators Who Invented an Alphabet

A Call From Moravia

In 862 C.E., Rostislav, prince of Moravia (modern-day eastern Cechia, western Slovakia, and western Hungary),  sent to Byzantine Emperor Michael III the request appearing in the opening paragraph-that he send teachers of the Scriptures.  Moravia's  Slavic-speaking citizens had already been introduced to church teachings by missionaries from the East Frankish kingdom (now Germany and Austria). Rostislav, however, was concerned about the political and ecclesiastical influence of the Germanic tribes.  He hoped that religious ties with Constantinople would help keep his nation politically and religiously autonomous.

The emperor decided to send Methodius and Cyril to Moravia.  Academically, educationally, and linguistically, the two brothers were well-equipped to lead such a mission.  A ninth-century biographer tells us that the emperor, in urging them to go to Moravia, reasoned:  "You are both natives of Thessalonica, and all Thessalonians speak pure Slav."

Next time: An Alphabet and a Bible Translation Are Born

The Watchtower, 2001