SS. Cyril and Methodius

English translation: Joseph Conelly, Hymns of the Roman Liturgy 

Vespers and Matins

Sedibus cæli nitidis receptos

Dicite athletas geminos, fideles;

Slavicæ duplex columen, decusque

Dicite gentis.

Hos amor fratres sociavit unus,

Unaque abduxit pietas eremo,

Ferre quo multis celerent beatæ

Pignora vitæ.

Luce, quæ templis superis renidet,

Bulgaros complent, Moravos, Bohemos;

Mox feras turmas numerosa Petro

Agmina ducunt.

Debitam cincti meritis coronam

Pergite o flecti lacrimis precantum;

Prisca vos Slavis opus est datores

Dona tueri.

Quæque vos clamat generosa tellus

Servet æternæ fidei nitorem;

Quæ dedit princeps, dabit ipsa semper

Roma salutem.

Gentis humanæ Sator et Redemptor,

Qui bonus nobis bona cuncta præbes,

Sint tibi grates, tibi sit per omne

Gloria sæclum. Amen.

Sing, faithful, of two great champions, that are now in heaven's shining city; sing of the twofold strength and glory of the Slav people. These two brothers were one in their love of God; one also in their pity for men that induced them to leave their monastic retreat and hasten to bring to many assurance of a future life of blessedness. Through them the gracious light of heaven shone in all parts of Bulgaria, Moravia and Bohemia; in a short time they bring great crowds of savage pagans as a notable addition to Peter's flock. You are now enjoying your well-earned reward; but at all times listen with pity to our suppliant prayers; for the gift of faith you brought the Slavs centuries ago now needs your protection. Indeed, may any land, of true Christian stock, that turns to you for help keep its faith unsullied; and Rome, the first to give salvation, will continue to give it. May man through all eternity sing his gratitude and praise to You, creator and redeemer of mankind, Goodness itself and the source of all goodness we have.

Lauds  R. P. Leanetti & Rmo Salvati, late 19th C. (St. Augustine's Lyre)

Lux o decora patriæ
Slavisque amica gentibus,
Salvete, fratres: annuo
Vos efferemus cantico:

Quos Roma plaudens excipit,
Complexa mater filios,
Auget corona præsulum,
Novoque firmat robore.

Terras ad usque barbaras
Inferre Christum pergitis:
Quot vanus error luserat,
Almo repletis lumine.

Noxis soluta pectora
Ardor supernus abripit;
Mutatur horror veprium
In sanctitatis flosculos.

Et nunc serena cælitum
Locati in aula, supplici
Adeste voto: Slavicas
Servate gentes Numini.

Errore mersos unicum
Ovile Christi congreget;
Factis avitis æmula
Fides virescat pulchrior.

Tu nos, beata Trinitas,
Cælesti amore concita,
Patrumque natos inclita
Da persequi vestigia. Amen.

To the brothers that brought lustre and glory to their native land and shone like a friendly beacon to the Slavs—all hail; we will sing you our yearly hymn of praise. When you visited Rome, she gave warm approval of your work, received you with a mother's love, added to your dignity by making you bishops and strengthened your resolve with new determination. You set out for distant and uncivilized peoples to bring Christ to them, and fill with the light of faith those that folly and error had once deceived. A zeal for heavenly things took possession of hearts now freed from sin; where once vice and its thorns had ruined men's souls, holiness now yielded its welcome flowers. Now that you are safe in the peace and glory of heaven, listen to our earnest prayer. Keep the Slav peoples faithful to God. May those that are now sunk in error be gathered into Christ's one and only fold. May their faith rival in its results the accomplishments of former times and grow with an even greater beauty. Inflame us, blessed Trinity, with heavenly love and grant that the sons may follow their fathers' glorious example.