Statue of Cyril and Methodius

The statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius stands prominently in the courtyard of the church bearing their name, located on the waterfront avenue of Thessaloniki. This statue was placed there in honor of the two Apostles and enlighteners of the Slavs, marking the 1,150th anniversary of their mission to the Balkans.

The unveiling of the statue took place on May 24, 2013, on the day the church commemorates their memory, in a ceremony that highlighted the importance of their work for Orthodoxy and the culture of the region.

Made of bronze, the statue rests on an impressive black marble base. The saints are depicted in their traditional form, as seen in many icons and sculptures, especially in Slavic countries. They hold a cross and a scroll with the Slavic alphabet they created, emphasizing their educational and cultural contributions.

This statue was donated by the National Association of Greeks of Saint Petersburg and reflects the deep connection between Greece and Russia, particularly through their shared Orthodox faith. In 2013, Thessaloniki declared it the "Year of Cyril and Methodius," underscoring the significance of these two figures in the city’s history and culture.