In the years when there was a split between the Westernthe church and its Eastern Orthodox sister, on the Slavic lands, the process of Christianization of nations began to grow with redoubled force. Looking back, we see that the Lord called them to fill the ranks of his church, sending wise mentors to them from the educated and advanced — at that time, Byzantium. Thanks to them, the light of Orthodoxy fully shone forth for all Slavs.
Brothers from the city of Thessaloniki
Celebrated annually on May 24th is the Day of Slavicwriting and culture has been a holiday since ancient times. And although the name he wore was different, but the meaning was the same - honoring the memory of two great enlighteners, by working with them who had gained the crowns of holiness. These teachers of Slavic peoples were born in the 9th century, in Thessaloniki (otherwise - Solun), one of the largest cities of Byzantium, but they accomplished the main task of their life in the Slavic lands, to which the Lord commended them.
Cyril (in the baptism of Constantine) and Methodius weresiblings and grew up in a rich and educated family. Their father, a professional military man, served the emperor and held high posts at court. From early childhood, the brothers, except for their native Greek, heard the Slavic language, which was spoken by many representatives of the tribes who lived around. Over time, the young men mastered him perfectly. The elder brother Methodius, deciding to follow in the footsteps of his father, became a military man and even advanced noticeably in this area, but over time he abandoned his military career and became a simple monk.
Future Enlightenment Slavs
His younger brother Constantine, getting brillianteducation, even at home, became the creator of the Glagues - the Slavic alphabet - and proceeded to translate the Gospel into this language. It is known that while in Constantinople, he studied philosophy, dialectics, mathematics, and a whole range of other sciences from the best teachers of his time. Soon after becoming a priest, he got a job as a caretaker of the library at the famous Hagia Sophia, and a year later he became a teacher at Magnavr University, which he had recently graduated from. He largely replenished his education during his stay in Korsun, where he spent considerable time with Byzantine diplomats.
The mission of the brothers in Bulgaria
But the main thing was waiting for the brothers ahead.In 862, a delegation from a local governor arrived in Constantinople from Moravia, who asked to be sent to him mentors capable of conveying the teachings of Christ to the people in their native language. In response, the emperor and the patriarch sent brothers to carry out this great mission. A year later, Constantine, along with Methodius and his students, became the creators of the alphabet, which was based on the Old Slavonic language, and was translated into Bulgarian a number of books from the Holy Scriptures.
While in Moravia, the brothers led a wideeducational activities among the local population. They not only taught literacy, but also helped organize the holding of services in the Bulgarian language. Their mission lasted about three years, during which they created the necessary basis for the baptism of Bulgaria, which took place in 864. In the year 867, while already in Rome, Constantine came down from a severe illness, and shortly before his death, he took the monastic vows under the name of Cyril.
Feast in honor of the holy brothers
In memory of the acts of these great enlighteners andwas established on May 24th, the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture. It dates back to the X-XI centuries, when in Bulgaria their annual commemoration, which took place on May 24, became a custom. The days of the memory of each of them were also set separately. All this speaks of the recognition of the invaluable merits of the brothers in front of the national culture of the Slavic peoples. Starting from the XVIII - XIX centuries - a period that went down in history as the Bulgarian revival - the Day of Slavic Literature began to be celebrated.
На Руси празднование этого дня вошло в обычай pretty late Only in 1863 he was introduced into the everyday life by a special decree. And in the recent past, in 1985, on the occasion of the 1100th anniversary of the repose of Saint Methodius, it was decided to consider this day not only a religious holiday, but also a national one. That is why the Day of Slavic Literature is celebrated on May 24th.
Government and Church Initiatives
In 1991 the officialstatus. At a government meeting held on January 30, a resolution was adopted, in accordance with which the whole country began to celebrate a new holiday - May 24, the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture. It is interesting that every year some regular settlement is chosen as its capital.
It is symbolic that on the night preceding the LightThis Sunday, the Patriarch of Christ resurrected the candle of the Slavic movement aimed at promoting and preserving the cultural values of the Slavic peoples. This good action is a kind of expedition along the main transport arteries connecting the most important historical centers of the country on their way.
Celebration in Moscow
Изначально было решено не связывать 24 мая ― День Slavic writing and culture - within the framework of a specific scenario, and provide in each case the complete creative freedom of its organizers.
This has opened a wide scope forvarious conferences, folk concerts, meetings with writers, festivals and other events aimed at the further development of the national Slavic culture.
В Москве праздник 24 мая (День славянской Writing) began this year with a solemn appeal to all Russians of the head of the church, and then an open-air concert followed, which, in terms of the scale and number of participants, of artists performing in it, was an all-Russian event. This was covered by representatives of leading media from around the world. Such events are an excellent way to strengthen mutual understanding between representatives of different nations.
Celebrations in the city on the Neva
Bright and interesting celebrated May 24, 2015 - DaySlavic writing - and in St. Petersburg. Here, on the steps of St. Isaac's Cathedral, which is one of the symbols of the city on the Neva, a choir of three thousand people performed, which, along with professional musicians, included members of amateur groups. Interestingly, two years ago, at the same steps, residents of St. Petersburg and guests of the city heard the choir singing, consisting of 4,335 people.
This year a huge team performedSeventeen songs known and loved by the people. However, events for the Day of Slavic Literature (May 24) this year were not limited to this. Were also held traditional meetings with writers, whose works the Petersburgers managed to catch the fancy of, as well as folklore groups performed in many parks of the city. This day will long be remembered by all who participated in the festivities.
