The Cyril and Methodios

SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIOS OF THESSALONIKI
TEACHERS OF THE SLAVS

By Panagiotis K. Christou, Professor of the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki in the 9th century

By the beginning of the 9th century, more than one thousand one hundred years had passed since the establishment of the city of Thessaloniki (315 BC). During this period, the city had undergone days of great glory and terrible suffering, still, it remained glorious and proud.

As it was the capital of Illyria during the Byzantine period, it came great battles to protect Hellenism and Christianity from the barbarians that continuously arrived from the North: the Goths, Huns, Avars and Slavs.

Protector in those battles was the all-glorious martyr Demetrios, would appear over the city walls in a white mantle and continuously empower the defenders when the raiders narrowed the siege. That's why the Thessalonians never missed a chance to express their gratitude towards their saviour Saint. ... click here