In the history of every nation there are epoch-making milestones that separate the 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 affluence. Of course, for a long time spirituality and science went hand in hand, engaged in education, preservation of values and historical information. That is why many prominent figures in the Middle Ages turned out to be clergy. They possessed a broad outlook, were familiar with all sciences, knew languages and geography, saw the highest moral and educational goals. Such personalities, turning the tide of history and making an unprecedented contribution, are worth their weight in gold. That is why celebrations are still being organized in their honor, and the “Day of Slavic Writing and Culture” holiday is a good example of this.
Background
This holiday arose in memory of two brothers, who are called Solunsky. Cyril and Methodius were 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 the local dialect, which belonged to the Slavic, was also distributed in this area, however, the brothers did not find documentary evidence of the presence of a second mother tongue. Many historians attribute to them Bulgarian origin, citing a number of sources, but it is possible that they were native Greeks. Before tonsure, Cyril bore the name Konstantin. Methodius was the eldest among the brothers in the family and the first to retire to the monastery. Konstantin received a brilliant education, earned honor and respect in the scientific community. After a series of events, he retired to his brother in the monastery with his students and associates. It was there that the extensive work that glorified them began.
Legacy brothers
The history of the festival of Slavic writing dates back to the events of the 9th century A.D. e. Beginning with the tonsure of Cyril, within the walls of the monastery, work began on the development of the Cyrillic alphabet. 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 arose back in 856. The incentive for their invention was missionary work and the preaching of Christianity. Many rulers and churchmen turned to Constantinople at that time, asking them to provide prayers and chants in their native language. The Glagolitic system allowed Cyril and Methodius to translate a number of church books into the Slavic language and thereby open the way for Christianity to the east.
Religious canons
But within the framework of history, the festival of Slavic writing and culture is associated not only with the alphabet, but also with the life of the brothers, the equally apostles Cyril and Methodius. They are canonized as saints and revered in the East and in the West. It is noteworthy that in the church life the order of their names is Methodius, and then Cyril. This probably indicates a higher dignity of the elder brother, which is noted separately, despite the more important research contribution of his brother. On the icons they are always depicted together, but they were recognized as saints at the end of the 9th century.
The birth of a holiday
Assessing the work of the brothers, the Bulgarians, who were the closest Slavs, decided to mark this event. Already from the 11th century, according to some sources, an official church date for the celebration appeared. The date was set on May 11. For many centuries this was a day of remembrance of the saints, later, in the heyday of science and enlightenment, the event turned into a celebration of Slavic writing. It was the Bulgarian people who initiated the celebrations and the keeper of this tradition. The people were proud of Cyril and Methodius as enlighteners who gave the Slavic world the possibility of self-determination and national independence, including along the church line. This date has become central to 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, views, the beginning of progress. It was during this period that the festival of Slavic writing received a new life. The beginning was again laid in Bulgaria, where in 1857 mass celebrations took place. Not wanting to lag behind the Slavic brothers and remembering what 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. At that time, Alexander || was on the throne, and the Polish uprising was on the agenda. Nevertheless, it was this year that a decree was issued on the celebration of the memory day 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 thousandth anniversary of the proposed date for the creation of the Old Slavonic alphabet.
Period of oblivion
Despite respect for the equally apostolic saints and an assessment of their contribution in the form of translations of church books, the memorable date recorded in the state calendar was for a long time seemingly forgotten. Perhaps this was due to the development of the revolutionary movement, a coup d'etat, denying church canons, and wars that swept through thunder across Eurasia. Once again, the festival of Slavic writing was revived in Russia in 1985. This event took place in Murmansk, thanks to the writer, repeatedly awarded with State Prizes - Vitaly Semenovich Maslov. It was he who became an activist in the revival of interest in this holiday, and on his initiative a monument was erected to Cyril and Methodius in Murmansk. The interest, fueled by the public, grew into a tradition that was soon legalized.
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 one of its kind state-church holiday. The date was chosen on May 24, the analogue of May 11 in a new style. Since then, the celebrations were held in one of the cities, for example, from 1991 to 2000, the epicenter of the events was Moscow, Vladimir, Belgorod, Kostroma, Orel, Yaroslavl, Pskov, Ryazan. Later, more distant from the capital cities were involved - Novosibirsk, Khanty-Mansiysk. Since 2010, by decree of President D. A. Medvedev, Moscow has been designated the center of cultural and church events.
Church celebrations
The history of the festival of Slavic writing and culture involves church events dedicated to the memory of Equal-to-the-Apostles Saints Methodius and Cyril. 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 conducts his service. Traditional celebrations suggest the morning Divine Liturgy. Later, the patriarch makes a speech addressing parishioners, clergy and government officials. Within the walls of the temple, the brothers are called “Slovenian teachers”. First of all, the educational 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 emission of light, showing a person the path to light, and therefore to God. At the moment, the church is actively involved in the life of the country, responding to political problems and the hardships of life of parishioners. This allows not only to abandon the earthly by visiting the liturgy, but also to learn the position of the church on the main issues of being and statehood. After the official part, a procession to the monument to Cyril and Methodius takes place in 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 festivities
Along with the church, the script of the holiday “Day of Slavic Writing 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, where a large-scale concert is held, which opens in the afternoon with official speeches, and lasts long enough. Soloists and groups alternate on the stage, creating a festive atmosphere on the city streets. The scope of the event is emphasized by the composition of the performers - these are the largest choral groups, a symphony orchestra, orchestras of folk instruments. Actors and TV presenters consider it an honor to speak on such a stage. The concert is broadcast on state channels. Outside the capital, celebrations are also held, concentrated in central squares, at monuments, in parks, in libraries. A single scenario of the festival of Slavic writing is provided, which regulates the main parameters of the celebrations.
Cultural development
Cyril and Methodius Day plays a big role in the cultural life of the country. It fuels the interest of the younger generation in linguistics, literature, history, acquaints the older generation with historical milestones. The very history of the holiday “Day of Slavic Writing” speaks of its important mission - enlightenment. Open lectures, seminars, readings - those events that acquaint visitors with new discoveries, the main versions of historical truth, with new literary and journalistic works.
Holiday geography
The Day of Writing and Culture is not only the prerogative of 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 state in the Czech Republic and Macedonia. In the post-Soviet space, he remains one of his favorites. Celebrations in city squares, in churches, libraries, schools are held in the cities of Moldova, Transnistria, Ukraine, Belarus. Traditionally, forums, meetings, open readings, monographs or historical essays are being prepared for this date. In order to diversify the content of events, anniversaries of writers, anniversaries of the deaths of clergymen or historical marks are connected to the celebration dates.
How to spend a day of writing?
Many institutions of preschool education, cultural centers and public organizations in their own way celebrate the holiday of Slavic writing and culture. The scenario may be different. Someone chooses to hold charity events, someone focuses on literary and linguistic heritage, someone chooses to hold concerts and exhibitions. Of course, the theme of national unity, spiritual growth, wealth and the value of the mother tongue takes a leading place. When the festival of Slavic writing and culture is being prepared, the script takes the leading place, since it requires a clear schedule with an hourly schedule.
Monument to Cyril and Methodius is 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 festival of Slavic writing is one of the most important events in the life of the country and the Slavic people.