Saints Cyril and Methodius as forerunners of the European Union (?)

Abstract

The brothers Cyril and Methodius, who are patrons of Europe, have for centuries reminded not only Christians but also all the inhabitants of this continent of the continent's continuing need to build European unity. By going back to the roots of Europe, we can better understand its past and its identity, in order to be fully committed to human rights, to intensify solidarity with the peoples of other continents and to work for peace and development on a global scale. We may therefore assume that both Saints made a fundamental contribution to the creation of Europe and its shaping not only in religious terms, but also as a state and cultural entity.    

The European Union as an international organisation in its present form owes its existence in particular to the ideas and deep commitment of politicians acting from Christian motives. Its founders expressed views that were not only innovative but also ahead of their time. At the same time, they did not forget that common history, tradition, culture and identity, but above all Christian values, lie at the basis of European integration tendencies of nations inhabiting this part of the world. Although they represented different backgrounds, they were guided by the fundamental objective of bringing about the unification of Europe, thus striving to ensure lasting peace and economic, political and social stability. In view of the fundamental objectives and values which guided the founding fathers of the European Union and still guide this organization, it should be emphasized that they coincide with those expressed by the Solunski brothers. Therefore the author of this article tries to answer the question whether Sts Cyril and Methodius could be forerunners of the European Union. A closer look at the mission of the brothers in the lands inhabited by the Slavs, as well as a brief overview of the history of this European organisation, allows us to conclude that they are the first founding fathers of the union, as nations inhabiting the Old Continent. They brought the foundations of the Slavic faith and culture, their inseparable unity. But it must be remembered that they were and still are heralds of the Gospel, witnesses of the Good News, proclaiming the God who constantly loves every human being. It is not without significance that in iconography, the saints are depicted in pontifical dress as Greek or Latin bishops, which also shows the integrity of Europe, as its Eastern and Western parts