Brothers come to Rome
Saints Cyril and Methodius in Rome. Fresco in San Clemente
868 Jan 1

Brothers come to Rome

Rome, Italy
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In 867, Pope Nicholas I (858-867) invited the brothers to Rome. Their evangelizing mission in Moravia had by this time become the focus of a dispute with Archbishop Adalwin of Salzburg and Bishop Ermanrich of Passau, who claimed ecclesiastical control of the same territory and wished to see it use the Latin liturgy exclusively. Travelling with a retinue of disciples, and passing through Pannonia (the Balaton Principality), where they were well received by Prince Kocel. They arrived in Rome a Year later, where they were warmly received. This was partly due to their bringing with them the relics of Saint Clement; the rivalry with Constantinople as to the jurisdiction over the territory of the Slavs would incline Rome to value the brothers and their influence.