MESSAGE OF CARDINAL KOCH FOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF PROCLAMATION OF SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS AS CO–PATRONS OF EUROPE

Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity

The last day of 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of the proclamation by Saint Pope John Paul II with his Apostolic Letter Egregiae virtutis of Saints Cyril and Methodius as co–patrons of Europe. The Letter was published on 31 December 1980 on the centenary of the Encyclical Grande munus (1880), with which Pope Leo XIII brought to the attention of the entire Church the lives and apostolic work of Saints Cyril and Methodius, introducing at the same time their liturgical feast into the calendar of the Catholic Church.

In expressing best wishes in his message on this anniversary, the Cardinal President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity underlines that Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are venerated in both the East and West, are witnesses of the wellspring of undivided unity, with differences held together, and trusts that their lives may be of inspiration along our journey towards unity.

 

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