The beginning of Christianity in our territory dates back to the Cyril and Method period when Method was appointed as Pannonia-Moravian archbishop in 870.
At Prince Svätopluk's request, Pope John VIII established a diocese in Nitra in 880, which came under the jurisdiction of Method. This territory actually covered northern part of Pannonia and, what is today, the Slovak Republic.
After some years of military conflicts, the next Great Moravian ruler, Mojmír II made an effort to restore Christianity in his empire and therefore asked Pope John IX to ordain an archbishop and three bishops in 899. St. Methoďs successor was probably his close colleague St. Gorazd.
On the stamp is an inscription "Method" in Glagolitic alphabet under the saint's portrait.
On the coupon is pre-romanesque church in Párovce (in the area of Nitra).
Viliam Judák
|