In the history of every nation there are milestones that separate times with a red line, personifying change and renewal. First of all, this is due to the nationality, which for many centuries was above politics and prosperity. Of course, for a long time spirituality and science went hand in hand, being engaged in education, preservation of values and historical information. That is why many prominent figures in the Middle Ages turned out to be clerics. They had a broad outlook, were familiar with all sciences, knew languages and geography, saw the highest moral and educational goals in front of them. Such personalities, who changed the course of history and made an unprecedented contribution, are worth their weight in gold. That is why celebrations are still organized in their honor, and a good example of this is the holiday “Day of Slavic Literature and Culture”.
Backstory
This holiday arose in memory of two brothers, who are called Thessalonica. Cyril and Methodiuswere Byzantines, the full name of the city - the place of their birth - Thessaloniki. They came from a noble family and were fluent in Greek. Some chronicles indicate that a local dialect was also widespread in this area, which belonged to Slavic, however, documentary evidence of the presence of a second native language among the brothers was not found. Many historians attribute Bulgarian origins to them, citing a number of sources, but it is quite possible that they were Greek by birth. Before taking the vows, Kirill bore the name Konstantin. Methodius was the eldest among the brothers in the family and was the first to retire to the monastery. Konstantin received an excellent education, earned honor and respect in the scientific community. After a series of events, he retired to his brother in the monastery, along with his students and associates. It was there that the extensive work that made them famous began.
Legacy of brothers
The history of the holiday of Slavic writing dates back to the events of the 9th century AD. e. Starting with the tonsure of Cyril, work began on the development of the Cyrillic alphabet within the walls of the monastery. So now one of the first alphabets of the Old Slavonic language is called. Its primary name is "glagolitic". It is believed that the idea of its creation originated in 856. The incentive for their invention was missionary activity and the preaching of Christianity. Many rulers and clergy in those days turned to Constantinople, asking for prayers and hymns in their native language. The Glagolitic system allowed Cyril and Methodius to translate a number of church books into Slavonic and thereby open the way for Christianity toeast.
Religious canons
But within the framework of history, the holiday of Slavic writing and culture is associated not only with the alphabet, but also with the life of the brothers Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius. They are canonized as saints and revered in the East and in the West. It is noteworthy that in church usage the order of their names is Methodius, and then Cyril. This probably indicates the higher rank of the elder brother, which is celebrated separately, despite the more important research contribution of his brother. They are always depicted together on icons, but they were recognized as saints at the end of the 9th century.
The birth of the holiday
Assessing the work of the brothers, the Bulgarians, who were the closest Slavs, decided to mark this event. Already since the 11th century, according to some sources, an official church date for the celebration appeared. The date was set for May 11th. For many centuries it was the day of remembrance of the saints, later, in the era of the heyday of science and enlightenment, the event turned into a holiday of Slavic writing. It was the Bulgarian people who initiated the celebrations and kept this tradition. The people were proud of Cyril and Methodius as enlighteners who gave the Slavic world the opportunity for self-determination and national independence, including along the church line. This date has become central in the cultural and spiritual life of the Balkan peoples.
19th century
Much has changed in the late 18th - early 19th century: the revision of values, attitudes, the beginning of progress. Exactlyduring this period, the holiday of Slavic writing received a new life. The beginning was laid again in Bulgaria, where mass celebrations took place in 1857. Not wanting to lag behind the Slav brothers and remembering what an impetus for the development of linguistics, literature and science was given by the development of the alphabet, the Russian state also organized celebrations, but in 1863. Alexander was on the throne at that time ||, and the issue on the agenda was the Polish uprising. Nevertheless, it was in this year that a decree was issued on the celebration of the day of memory of Cyril and Methodius on May 11 (according to the old style), the date was chosen by the Holy Synod. In 1863, celebrations took place on the occasion of the millennial anniversary of the alleged date of the creation of the Old Slavonic alphabet.
Forgetting period
Despite the respect for the Equal-to-the-Apostles saints and the assessment of their contribution in the form of translations of church books, the memorable date entered in the state calendar seemed to have been forgotten for a long time. Perhaps this was due to the development of the revolutionary movement, the coup d'etat that denied church canons, and the wars that thundered across Eurasia. Again, the holiday of Slavic writing was revived in Russia in 1985. This event took place in Murmansk, thanks to the writer, repeatedly awarded the State Prize - Maslov Vitaly Semenovich. It was he who became an activist in the revival of interest in this holiday, and on his initiative a monument to Cyril and Methodius was erected in Murmansk. The interest fueled by the public grew into a tradition that was soon legitimized.
Public holiday
The official approval of the celebration of the day of Cyril and Methodius falls on January 30, 1991. The decision was made by the President of the Russian Federation. This is the first and only state-church holiday of its kind. May 24 was chosen as the date, an analogue of May 11 in the new style. Since then, celebrations have been held in one of the cities, so, for the period from 1991 to 2000, Moscow, Vladimir, Belgorod, Kostroma, Orel, Yaroslavl, Pskov, Ryazan were the epicenter of events. Later, cities more distant from the capital - Novosibirsk, Khanty-Mansiysk - were also involved. Since 2010, by decree of President D. A. Medvedev, Moscow has been appointed the center of cultural and church events.
Church celebrations
The history of the holiday of Slavic writing and culture involves church events dedicated to the memory of Saints Methodius and Cyril Equal to the Apostles. As a rule, the most important place at moments of important spiritual events is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, where the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia holds services. Traditional celebrations involve the morning Divine Liturgy. Later, the patriarch delivers a speech, addressing the parishioners, clergy and government officials. Within the walls of the temple, the brothers are called “Slovenian teachers”. First of all, the enlightening orientation of the saints is noted, that they carried the word, culture, language to the people, guided by divine laws and moral standards. The concept of enlightenment is interpreted in the church as the radiance of light, showing a person the way to the light, and therefore to God. Presentlythe church actively participates in the life of the country, responding to the political problems and hardships of the life of parishioners. This allows not only to renounce earthly things by attending the liturgy, but also to learn the position of the church on the main issues of being and statehood. After the official part, a religious procession to the monument to Cyril and Methodius takes place within the walls of the cathedral. It is located in the center of Moscow, on Slavyanskaya Square. A prayer service is performed there, and then wreaths are laid.
Mass celebrations
Along with the church, the scenario of the holiday “Day of Slavic Literature and Culture” in mass manifestation is no less important. Since this is a state date, public organizations hold concerts, exhibitions, presentations, readings, competitions and other events. Red Square becomes the center of events, it is there that a large-scale concert is held, which opens in the afternoon with official speeches, and continues for a long time. Soloists and groups change on the stage, creating a festive atmosphere on the streets of the city. The scope of the event emphasizes the composition of the performers - these are the largest choirs, a symphony orchestra, orchestras of folk instruments. Actors and TV presenters consider it an honor to be able to perform on such a stage. The concert is broadcast on state channels. Celebrations are also held outside the capital, focused on central squares, near monuments, in parks, and in libraries. There is a single scenario for the celebration of the Slavic writing, which regulates the main parameters of the celebration.celebrations.
Development of culture
The Day of Cyril and Methodius plays a big role in the cultural life of the country. It stirs up the interest of the younger generation in linguistics, literature, history, introduces the older generation to historical milestones. The very history of the holiday “Day of Slavonic Literature” speaks of its important mission - enlightenment. Open lectures, seminars, readings are those events that introduce visitors to new discoveries, the main versions of historical truth, and new literary and journalistic works.
Geography of the holiday
The Day of Writing and Culture is the prerogative of not only Russia. This holiday is famous for its vast geography, which includes the countries of the Slavic world. Of course, it is celebrated in Bulgaria, which is interesting, it is also a state holiday in the Czech Republic and Macedonia. In the post-Soviet space, he remains one of the most beloved. Celebrations on city squares, in churches, libraries, schools are held in the cities of Moldova, Transnistria, Ukraine, Belarus. Traditionally, forums, meetings, open readings, publications of monographs or historical essays are prepared for this date. In order to diversify the content of events, anniversaries of writers, anniversaries of the death of clergy or historical markers are connected to the dates of the celebration.
How to spend a writing day?
Many pre-schools, cultural centers and publicorganizations celebrate the holiday of Slavic writing and culture in their own way. The scenario may vary. Someone chooses to hold charity events, someone focuses on the literary and linguistic heritage, someone chooses to hold concerts and exhibitions. Of course, the theme of national unity, spiritual growth, we alth and value of the native language occupies a leading place. When a holiday of Slavic writing and culture is being prepared, the script takes the leading place, since it requires a clear schedule with an hourly schedule.
There is a monument to Cyril and Methodius in many cities of Russia and abroad. The contribution of the saints, who gave the Slavic people the key to the development of science and linguistics, is difficult to overestimate. The holiday of Slavic writing is one of the most important events in the life of the country and the Slavic people.
