MISSION OF THE THESSALONIKI BROTHERS AS THE EXAMPLE OF THE INCULTURATION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IN THE TEACHING OF JOHN PAUL II

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to show the teaching of St. John Paul II on the Thessaloniki Brothers and their missionary ministry in the dimension of faith inculturation. Constantine (826–869) and Michael (c. 815–885), i.e. Saints Cyril and Methodius – were brothers who came from Thessaloniki, Greece, and are figures who still continue to arouse a great interest because of their contribution to the evangelization of some Slavic people and their cultural development through the creation of the alphabet, a written language in which they were able to learn about the Christian faith and the heritage of ancient Greece and Byzantium. The two Brothers are revered by both Orthodox Christians and Catholics because of their missionary ministry. It was carried out in unity with both the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which they belonged to, and Rome, as the popes gave their blessing and support to their ministry and the methods they used to preach the Gospel to the Slavs. Saint John Paul II, from the beginning of his pontificate, referred to the figures of Cyril and Methodius, emphasizing their ability to adapt their mission work to the mentality of the Slavs. He also declared them co-patrons of Europe that should breathe with „two lungs” – the western and eastern.The article is divided into three parts. In the first part, we learn about the historical background of their missionary expeditions. The second part presents the development of Cyrillo-Methodian thought in the teaching of John Paul II. The final part includes the Slavic Pope’s statements on the merits of the Holy Brothers for the spread of the Gospel among the Slavs and for the development of their culture.