SS. Cyril & Methodius

February 14,2004

by Rev. Herbert Nichols

SS. Cyril & Methodius were brothers, siblings who lived during the mid 800’s before the split between the Eastern and Western Church, between Catholics and Orthodox. Cyril was a monk and Methodius a bishop who labored to bring the teaching of the Gospel and the Liturgy of the Church to the Slavic peoples.

They were early advocates of what is today called: "inculturation," which means that the truth of the Gospel and the life of the Church are not generic abstractions. Rather, they live in a particular time and place wrapped in the language, hopes, and dreams of various cultures.

Cyril & Methodius were careful to remain united with the See of Peter and to ensure that their preaching was consistent with apostolic tradition. At the same time they were equally zealous to clothe the gospel in the garment of Eastern mentality. They gave to the Slavic people Christian roots and heritage. They are a bridge between East and West and remind us that the divisions that came two centuries later, and still painfully exist, are not from Christ and must be overcome.

Diversity is not at war with unity. Today, as people all over the world are discovering the richness and beauty of our differing ethnic roots, perhaps we will be able to rediscover as well the real places of unity.

For a world that knows so much division and sub-division, the world wide Church can offer a splendid model for the entire family of humankind to see that unity is not only plausible but possible. The same Church that is so magnificently universal is also deeply local in its roots. That is God’s gift to us from the Holy Spirit.

From the traditions of local churches, rather than universal, we have the commemoration of a Roman priest named Valentine, who was apprehended and refusing to denounce his faith was commanded to be beaten to death with clubs and afterwards beheaded on February 14. 270. His memory was celebrated in the Sacramentary of Pope Gregory, but was deleted in the Sacramentary of Paul VI.

There seems no conclusive reason for doubting the real existence of this person. On the other hand, the connection with sending love missives on this day as a "Christianization of the pagan practice of drawing the naes of girls with which to celebrate in honor of the pagan goddess Februata Juno on February 15. The practice of connecting valentines with this ancient pagan observance is highly questionable.

The custom of young men choosing maidens for their valentines on this day that bears a martyrs name more probably had its origins in the literature of Chaucer who wrote in 1477.

Upon Friday the fourteenth day of February, the commemoration of the Roman martyr priest, every bird chooses for himself a mate, and if nature takes its course, they pair and bring the matter to a conclusion

Although on account of this custom connected with his feast, the name of St. Valentine is very familiar through England and the English speaking world; but nowhere is it known for a church to have been dedicated in his honor.

No doubt for this reason. Pope Paul VI removed his observance from the Universal calendar.