The Festival of Slavic Literature and Culture: History

In the history of each nation there are epochal milestones that distinguish times by the red line, embodying change and renewal. First of all, this is connected with the nation, which for many centuries was above politics and prosperity. Of course, for a long time spirituality and science went hand in hand, engaging in education, the preservation of values and historical information. That is why many prominent figures in the Middle Ages turned out to be clergymen. They had a wide outlook, were familiar with all sciences, knew languages and geography, saw before themselves the highest moral and enlightening goals. Such persons, who have broken the course of history and made an unprecedented contribution, are worth their weight in gold. That is why in their honor so far the celebrations are organized, and a clear example is the festival "Day of Slavic Writing and Culture".

Prehistory

This holiday arose in memory of the 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 perfectly mastered the Greek. Some chronicles indicate that the local dialect, which was Slavic, was also distributed in this area, but the brothers did not find any documentary evidence of the existence of a second native language. Many historians ascribe to them the Bulgarian origin, referring to a number of sources, but it is possible that they were Greeks by birth. Prior to the tonsure, Cyril bore the name Constantine. Methodius was the oldest among brothers in the family and first retired to the monastery. Constantine received a brilliant education, earned respect and respect in the academic milieu. After a series of events, he retired to his brother in the monastery with his disciples and associates. It was there that the extensive work began that made them famous.

The legacy of the brothers

The history of the holiday of the Slavonic alphabet goes back to the events of the 9th century AD. E. Beginning with the tonsure of Cyril, the work on the development of the Cyrillic alphabet began in the walls of the monastery. So now one of the first alphabets of the Old Slavonic language is called. Its primary name is the "Glagolitic". It is believed that the idea of its creation arose in 856. The incentive for their invention was missionary work and the preaching of Christianity. Many rulers and churchmen addressed themselves to Constantinople at that time, asking them to give them prayers and hymns in their native language. The Glagolitic system allowed Cyril and Methodius to translate a number of church books into Slavonic and open the road to Christianity to the east.

Religious canons

But within the framework of history the festival of Slavic writing and culture is connected not only with the alphabet, but also with the life of the brothers, Cyril and Methodius Equal-to-the-Apostles. They are canonized as saints and revered in the East and 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. On the icons they are always depicted together, the saints were recognized at the end of the 9th century.

Birth of a holiday

Evaluating the work of the brothers, the Bulgarians, who were the closest Slavs, decided to designate this event. Since the 11th century, as some sources have reported, an official church date for the celebration has appeared. The date was fixed on May 11. For many centuries it was a day of memory of the saints, later, in the heyday of science and enlightenment, the event turned into a holiday of Slavonic writing. It was the Bulgarian people who initiated the festivities and guarded 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 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 centuries: a review of values, views, the beginning of progress. It was during this period that the festival of Slavonic writing got a new life. The beginning was again laid in Bulgaria, where in 1857 there were mass celebrations. Not wishing to be left behind by the Slav brothers and remembering the development of the alphabet for the development of linguistics, literature and science, the Russian state also organized celebrations, but in 1863. On the throne at that time was Alexander ||, and the issue on the agenda was the Polish uprising. Nevertheless, it was this year that a decree was issued about 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 supposed date of the creation of the Old Slavonic alphabet.

The period of oblivion

Despite the respect for equals and the saints and the evaluation of their contribution in the form of translations of church books, a memorable date entered in the state calendar was forgotten for a long time. Perhaps this was due to the development of the revolutionary movement, a coup d'etat that denied church canons, and wars that thundered through Eurasia. Again, the festival of Slavonic writing was revived in Russia in 1985. This event happened in Murmansk, thanks to the writer, who was repeatedly awarded with State Prizes - Maslova Vitaliy Semenovich. It was he who became an activist of the revival of interest to this holiday, also on his initiative a monument to Cyril and Methodius was erected in Murmansk. 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 taken by the President of the Russian Federation. This is the first and only state-church holiday in its kind . The date was chosen on May 24, the analogue of May 11 on a new style. Since then, the celebrations have been held in one of the cities, so, for the period from 1991 to 2000, the epicenter of events was Moscow, Vladimir, Belgorod, Kostroma, Orel, Yaroslavl, Pskov, Ryazan. Later, more remote from the capital city - Novosibirsk, Khanty-Mansiysk - were also involved. Since 2010, by decree of President Dmitry Medvedev, Moscow has been designated the center of cultural and ecclesiastical events.

Church celebrations

The history of the festival of Slavonic literature and culture presupposes church events dedicated to the memory of Equal-to-the-Apostles Saints Methodius and Cyril. As a rule, the most important place in the moments of important spiritual events is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, where the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia is serving. Traditional celebrations presuppose the morning Divine Liturgy. Later, the patriarch makes a speech, addressing the parishioners, spiritual and state officials. In 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 norms. The concept of enlightenment is interpreted in the church as the emission of light, which indicates to man the path to light, and hence, to God. At the moment the church actively participates in the life of the country, responding to the political problems and hardships of the parishioners. This allows not only to abandon the earthly by visiting the liturgy, but also to learn the position of the church on the basic issues of being and statehood. After the official part of the cathedral, the procession to the monument to Cyril and Methodius is celebrated. It is located in the center of Moscow, on the Slavyanskaya Square. There is a moleben, 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. As this is a state date, public organizations hold concerts, exhibitions, presentations, readings, competitions and other events. The center of events is Red Square, where a large-scale concert is held, which opens in the afternoon with official speeches, and lasts long enough. On the stage soloists and bands are changing, creating a festive atmosphere on the streets of the city. The scope of the event is emphasized by the composition of the performers - the largest choirs, 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. Outside the capital are also celebrations, centered on central squares, monuments, parks, libraries. A single script for the holiday of the Slavonic script is provided, which regulates the main parameters of the celebrations.

The development of culture

Day Cyril and Methodius plays a big role in the cultural life of the country. He warms the interest of the younger generation to linguistics, literature, history, acquaints the older generation with historical milestones. The very history of the holiday "Day of Slavonic writing" speaks about its important mission - education. Open lectures, seminars, readings - those events that introduce visitors to new discoveries, major versions of historical truth, with new literary and journalistic works.

Geography of the holiday

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 the most beloved. Celebrations in city squares, in churches, libraries, schools are held in the cities of Moldova, Transnistria, Ukraine, Belarus. Traditionally, by this date, forums, meetings, open readings, publications of monographs or historical essays are being prepared. In order to diversify the content of events, the anniversary of the celebration joins writers, the anniversary of the death of clerics or historical marks.

How to spend a day writing?

Many institutions of preschool education, cultural centers and public organizations in their own way celebrate the festival of Slavic writing and culture. The script can be different. Someone chooses holding charity events, someone concentrates on literary and linguistic heritage, someone chooses concerts and exhibitions. Of course, the topic of people's unity, spiritual growth, wealth and the value of their native language occupies 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.

The monument to Cyril and Methodius is in many cities of Russia and abroad. The contribution of the saints, who gave the Slavonic people the key to the development of science and linguistics, is difficult to overestimate. The holiday of Slavonic writing is one of the most important events in the life of the country and the Slavic people.