The Day of Writing and Culture of the Slavs was introduced by the authorities of the USSR for a kind of glorification of the holy Orthodox brothers Cyril and Methodius, who are considered the founders of Slavic writing. This holiday is celebrated not only in Russia, but also in Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.
History
Spirituality and science developed in parallel, which is why many scientists were spiritual representatives. The brothers Methodius and Constantine were savvy in different areas of science, from geography to writing. But besides the scientific perception and study of these disciplines, they were interested in spiritual, moral and educational goals. The brothers made a huge contribution to the golden fund of world science. They were Byzantines from a noble Slavic family, ideally they knew the Greek language. Konstantin received a good education and honor in the circles of scientists. Methodius was the eldest son in the family, so he was the first to go to a monastery. After training, the younger brother with his students joined the older one. After the tonsure, Constantine was named Cyril.
In the monastery they began to work hard on the creation of one of the first Slavic alphabets - the Cyrillic alphabet. Before the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet, the Slavs used ancient runes and Glagolitic.
It is interesting:
- One of the incentives for the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet was the preaching of Christianity. In those days, many clergymen turned to Constantinople with a request to create prayer books in the Slavic language. The Cyrillic alphabet made it possible for Cyril and Methodius to translate a number of church books into the native language of the Slavs.
- This day is devoted not only to the alphabet and scientific activities of the brothers, but also to spiritual and educational work. To a greater extent, Methodius realized himself in this area, and Cyril learned the depths of scientific activity, while serving the church in parallel.
- For the first time this celebration was celebrated in Russia in 1985. Its official approval took place on January 30, 1991.
Traditions
In honor of the Day of Writing, churches and temples hold a number of events: a morning service, a speech by the patriarchy to parishioners, a procession to the monument to Cyril and Methodius. The main service is traditionally held in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, it is conducted by the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia.
Along with church events, there is also a general celebration. A huge concert is being organized on the main square of the country, which is broadcast on television. Also fairs, exhibitions are created, readings are held in honor of this holiday. Events dedicated to the Day of Writing and Culture are organized in educational institutions, publishing houses, cultural centers and so on. In the Russian Federation, there is a tradition to choose a new capital for the holiday every year and hold a number of events there, timed to this day.
Who is celebrating
The date is celebrated by linguists, representatives of the progressive community and religious organizations, Slavic scholars, and cultural workers.
Modern celebration
In 1985, the Slavic world celebrated the 1100th anniversary of the death of St. equalap. Methodius. For the first time in the USSR, May 24 was declared the day of Slavic culture and writing.
On January 30, 1991, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR adopted a Resolution on the annual holding of the Days of Slavic Written Language and Culture. Since 1991, state and public organizations began to hold the Days of Slavic Written Language and Culture together with the Russian Orthodox Church.
During the celebration, various church events are held: services dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin and other churches in Russia, Religious processions, children's pilgrimage missions to monasteries in Russia, scientific and practical conferences, exhibitions, concerts.
Since 1991, as part of the celebration of the days of Slavic culture and writing, an annual spiritual and cultural expedition "Slavic Hike" has been held in the cities of Russia.
