On the Day of the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius, of the Bulgarian alphabet, education and culture and of Slavic literature name day is celebrated by all who bear the name Kiril (meaning - lordly), Kirila, Kirilka, Kerana, Kirko, Kiro, Kircho, Kiryak, Metodi (meaning - researcher).
Even in the early Middle Ages, May 11 was designated as a day in memory of the Slavic first teachers, because their apostolic work united them in one and they are equal in dignity.
May 11 is celebrated as a church holiday of the two brothers, and May 24 is celebrated as the Day of Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture and of Slavic Writing.
Constantine the Philosopher (827 – 869) called in monasticism Cyril and his older brother Methodius came from noble parents Leo and Maria, who were Slavs from Thessalonica.
Since the family was wealthy, Constantine studied together with the children of the Byzantine kings and boyars at the famous Magnaur school in Constantinople. Completing his education, he received the nickname Philosopher. Soon after, he started working as a patriarchal librarian and philosophy teacher.
His older brother Methodius (815 – 885) chose a military career from his early years. After ruling a Slavic region for many years (843 – 851), he felt God's calling. He renounced the post he held and entered the monastery on Mount Olympus. There he met his brother Konstantin.
It was a turning point in both of their lives. Inseparable, they carry out their greatest work – creation of Slavic writing and Christian education. The memory of the holy brothers has been honored on May 11 since the early Middle Ages.
The Orthodox Church also honors them as one of the Seven Saints together with their disciples Clement, Nahum, Angelarius, Gorazd and Sava.
Source: BLITZ