The Memory of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Thessaloniki

••• Abstract: DELIKARI, Angeliki. The memory of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Thessaloniki . The cult of Saints Cyril and Methodius began soon after their death and spread quickly among the Slavs. Despite the fact that the Saints were Byzantine missionaries and thus plenty of hagiographic works about them existed at that time, a feast day dedicated to them was not established officially in Constantinople itself. In the Liturgical Calendar of the Metropolis of Thessaloniki their feast day was introduced in 1957. In 1966, the Metropolis of Thessaloniki organized several events with a panorthodox and oecumenical character in honour of the two Apostles of the Slavs. Since then there have been numerous efforts and activities (e.g. the foundations of centres, churches and monuments, publications, and much more) from several institutions to establish in Thessaloniki the tradition and memory of the two Thessalonian brothers. In June 2011, the Centre for the Study of the Cultural Heritage of Cyril and Methodius (www.kyrillos-methodios.gr) has been established in Thessaloniki, promoting research into the life and work of Saints Cyril and Methodius both in Greece and abroad.