The Medieval Bible — Eastern Christian Bible
Cyril and Methodius Begin the Slavonic Bible Tradition
c. AD 863-885
Missionaries Cyril and Methodius created a Slavic literary tradition and translated Scripture for ministry in Great Moravia.
Full Account
The brothers developed the Glagolitic alphabet and translated the Gospels and other church texts into the speech of Slavic peoples. Their disciples continued the work after opposition and exile.
The later Cyrillic alphabet was associated with the schools formed by their followers. Slavonic Scripture became central to worship and literature across much of eastern Europe.
Historical Significance
The mission established the principle that Slavic Christians could worship and hear Scripture in their own language.
People, Places and Sources
- Key people: Cyril; Methodius; Clement of Ohrid; their disciples
- Key places: Thessalonica; Great Moravia; Bulgaria; Ohrid
- Languages: Church Slavonic, Greek
- Scripture: Acts 2:5-11