Saint Clement of Ohrid - Monument in the center of Ohrid - Macedonian Postcards

Saint Clement of Ohrid (840 – 27 July 916, Ohrid) was one of the earliest medieval Slavic saints—a scholar, writer, and teacher who played a key role in shaping Slavic culture and literacy.

He was one of the most distinguished disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the creators and promoters of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets. Through their work, Christianity and literacy were brought to the Slavic peoples in a language they could understand.

Saint Clement of Ohrid - Monument in the center of Ohrid

Together with Saint Naum of Ohrid, Clement assisted Cyril and Methodius for nearly twenty years during the Moravian Mission in Great Moravia. When the brothers were summoned to Rome, Clement traveled with them and was ordained there. After the death of Saint Cyril, he returned to Moravia with Saint Methodius and remained loyal in defending the use of the Slavic language in church services.

After Saint Methodius died, his followers were persecuted and expelled. In early 886, Saint Clement arrived in Ohrid together with Saint Naum and Saint Angelarius, beginning a new and decisive chapter of his life here.

In Ohrid, Saint Clement founded the Ohrid Literary School, often called the first Slavic university. Around 3,500 students were educated here, spreading literacy, faith, and learning throughout the Slavic lands.

Alongside his teaching and church work, Clement was a prolific writer and translator. He is credited with the extensive biographies of Cyril and Methodius, the most important historical source about their lives. He also wrote sermons for major Christian feasts, teachings for saints and martyrs, and many works praising Christian saints.

Even in old age, seriously ill and confined to bed, he continued translating sacred texts from Greek into Slavic. Saint Clement died in 916 and was buried in the tomb he had prepared for himself in the monastery of Saint Panteleimon.

His relics remained in Ohrid through the centuries, moving between churches during times of destruction and renewal. Today, they rest once again at Plaošnik, where Saint Clement’s Church and Saint Clement’s University stand.

Saint Clement of Ohrid is honored as the protector of Macedonia, the city of Ohrid, and the Macedonian Orthodox Church. In his name, many educational, cultural, and state institutions across the country continue his legacy of learning, language, and faith.