Day of Slavic culture and writing silhouettes. At the origins of the word

The lives of secular people are increasingly including some holidays that were originally church holidays. Among them is Day Slavic writing and culture. How and when did he appear? In fact, this date is considered the birthday Slavic alphabet, and her “fathers” are Cyril and Methodius - two brothers who were canonized after death. And today the holiday is celebrated not only in Russia, but also in other countries where these saints are honored.

Creators of the Cyrillic alphabet

Two brothers - the elder Methodius (born Michael) and the younger Cyril (born Constantine) - were born into a large, wealthy upper-class family in the first third of the 9th century in the city that is today called Thessaloniki.

Kirill learned to read early and amazed those around him with his memory and ability to quickly comprehend various sciences. Thanks to such skills and the patronage of the logothete Theoktistus, he was sent to study in Constantinople. And in 863, Emperor Michael sent him to Moravia (a Slavic baptized country), where Cyril was supposed to interpret church books at the request of Prince Rostislav of Moravia.

By that time, Methodius had left his military service and joined his brother in order to translate theological texts with him and convey the meaning of the books. Cyril and Methodius not only translated, but also compiled an alphabet with which one could read and rewrite these books. The alphabet began to be called first the Glagolitic alphabet, and then the Cyrillic alphabet, after the name of one of its creators. Unfortunately, not everyone liked this; the appearance of another language was not welcomed even by the church. The brothers went through many trials in order to conduct services in the Slavic language (this especially affected the eldest after the death of the younger). But, one way or another, the Cyrillic alphabet spread to the territories of Bulgaria, some Balkan countries and Kievan Rus.

Today they celebrate the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture, the date on which it was celebrated for the first time in 1863, i.e. May 24. This date is considered the common day of remembrance of Saints Methodius and Cyril.

As noted

The Day of Slavic Literature and Culture was included in the list of public holidays in 1991. Since then, May 24, although not a day off, has been celebrated on a large scale.

In most cities on this day there is Procession, when representatives of the local metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church, students of Orthodox educational institutions and ordinary parishioners walk along the central streets, as a rule, from one church to another.
Celebrations take place in many libraries. Exhibitions are organized for visitors rare books, which can not always be seen even in reading rooms.
In large bookstores On May 24, writers sometimes appear talking about their works, or literary scholars give lectures on the history of books.
In the late afternoon you can see performances in parks and main squares variety groups(most often folklore) and orchestras from the local philharmonic society.

Despite the end school year, many schools and universities also organize various events dedicated to the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture. The script for such celebrations is drawn up by teachers and lecturers, but sometimes students also come to their aid. A quiz is often held for schoolchildren, the questions of which are related to the appearance of the Slavic alphabet or the Russian language. For example, these:

When did Cyril and Methodius live?
What book did they translate first?
What kind of reforms related to the Russian language did Peter I carry out?

After the quiz, students act out the skit “Creators of the Cyrillic alphabet in childhood,” which tells how the brothers came up with letters and words so that not only the Greeks, but also the Slavs would have their books. After the skit there are competitions folk songs, traditional Russian cuisine, costumes, linguistics, history of printing, etc.

Who and how to congratulate

On the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture in Russia, it is customary to congratulate everyone who is in some way connected with printing, writing, studying the Russian language, etc. These people include:

writers,
journalists,
teacher of Russian language and literature,
philology students,
literary scholars,
linguists,
publishers,
editors, etc.

What kind of congratulations can there be? Firstly, if possible, then for those who celebrate theirs on May 24 professional holiday, order a song on the radio - it’s better to choose folklore works. Secondly, they send SMS and emails, but it would be better if the person receives a handwritten one or even - this corresponds to the celebration in to a greater extent. In the postcard you can write a poem or a couple of prose lines that will remind you of the merits of Cyril and Methodius.

On the occasion of the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture, gifts are often given. These are, first of all, books, but they are sometimes replaced with a magazine subscription, writing set, stationery, board games(for example, “Erudite”, where you need to form words), and it would be appropriate for believers to present an icon of the creators of the alphabet. Whether to give gifts for this holiday or not is up to everyone to decide for themselves, but you can congratulate all Slavs. After all, even if professional activity a person has nothing to do with books and language; every day he still uses the alphabet.

In states where the majority religion is Orthodoxy, May 24 (May 11 - to Julian calendar) is the day of remembrance of Saints Methodius and Cyril. IN Russian Federation it was given a different name - Day of Slavic Literature and Culture.

The origins of this holiday are inextricably linked with the honoring of the Saints Equal to the Apostles Cyril and Methodius - educators of the Slavs, Orthodox monks, creators of the Slavic alphabet.

Cyril and Methodius compiled the Slavic alphabet and translated several liturgical books from Greek into the Slavic language (including selected readings from the Gospel, the Apostolic Epistles and the Psalter). What contributed to the introduction and spread of Slavic worship. And also, relying on deep knowledge of Greek and Eastern cultures and summarizing the existing experience of Slavic writing, they offered the Slavs their own alphabet.

Saints Cyril and Methodius Day: interesting facts, history of the holiday

During the Renaissance in Bulgaria, the united holiday of the brothers turned into a glorification of the Slavic alphabet;
Bulgarians celebrate the Day of Bulgarian Education, Culture and Slavic Literature on a larger scale than in other Slavic countries;
By special decision of the Russian Holy Synod Since 1863, May 24 has become the day of remembrance of Constantine and Methodius;
In 1985 Soviet authorities declared May 24 a holiday Slavic culture and writing;
Murmansk was the first to assume responsibility in 1986 cultural center for the Festival of Writing;
For 24 years until 2010, the “capital” was elected every year;
Since 2010, one city has been chosen to host special occasions- Moscow.

Celebrating the Day of Slavic Culture and Literature in Russia

More than 1000 years in Orthodox cathedrals and churches, services are held in honor of the brothers. But since the 19th century the event has become secular. By this time scientific progress did not stand still and the veneration of the enlighteners intensified.

Video: May 24 - Memorial Day of Equal-to-the-Apostles Methodius and Cyril

During the Soviet era, the holiday was not popular. It was revived only in 1985 after the 1100th anniversary of the repose of Methodius was celebrated.

Currently, the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture begins with church events. A solemn liturgy is held in the Assumption Cathedral. Then the procession of the Cross moves from the cathedral to Slavyanskaya Square. According to tradition, flowers are laid at the monument in honor of Methodius and Cyril.

Then the relay of solemn celebration passes to cultural institutions. Libraries hold literary readings. Performing on stages folk groups. Museums open various exhibitions.

Concerts are also held in different genres: from folk art before classical music. Satisfied folk festivals in the squares. Schools have open lessons. In some cities, pilgrimages are held for children to monasteries.

In 2009, the Holy Synod established literary prize. As part of the holiday, laureates are awarded - writers who have made a significant contribution to the development of moral values, spirituality of society in general and family in particular. There is no such award in the history of the Orthodox Church.

Celebration of Cyril and Methodius Day in other countries

This event takes place most solemnly in Bulgaria. Since the 19th century, the holiday has grown from a church holiday into a secular one. This day symbolizes respect for culture, science and education in general.

The history of the origin of the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, their contribution to the creation of the Slavic alphabet

Brothers Methodius and Cyril (known as Constantine) are from Thessaloniki. The family was wealthy and was able to provide a good education to my children.

The Day of Slavic Literature and Culture is inextricably linked with the honoring of Saints Equal to the Apostles Cyril and Methodius - educators of the Slavs, Orthodox monks, creators of the Slavic alphabet

Methodius originally built military career, was a governor in Bulgaria, where he learned the Slavic language. Later he took monastic vows and eventually became abbot. Konstantin studied languages and literature since childhood. After training, he held the position of librarian and took the priesthood.

Celebrated: in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other Slavic countries

Church name: Equal to the Apostles Methodius and Kirill, Slovenian teachers

Established:

Resolution of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Russian Federation No. 568-1 of January 30, 1991
Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 1096/2004 dated September 17, 2004
Celebrated in Belarus since 1986 as a state-church holiday.

Meaning: in honor of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Traditions:

divine liturgies;
scientific and practical conferences;
religious processions;
Exhibitions;
cultural and leisure events;
pilgrimage.

The Day of Slavic Literature and Culture is celebrated in memory of two enlighteners - Cyril and Methodius. The brothers contributed huge contribution in the development of Slavic society and its culture. The writing they created in the 9th century made it possible to capture the best pages Russian history, biographies of great people. The expanded knowledge accumulated over many centuries by the Slavic people contributed to the spread of literacy. Socialization in world civilization allowed it to take its corresponding place among other nations.

Who celebrates and when?

The Day of Slavic Literature and Culture is celebrated annually on May 24, and 2018 is no exception. On January 30, 1991, by Resolution of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Russian Federation No. 568-1, it received the status of a state holiday in Russia.

The date is celebrated by linguists, representatives of the progressive public and religious organizations, Slavic scholars, cultural workers.

history of the holiday

In Russia, the holiday of writing was first officially celebrated in 1863, when a resolution was adopted to honor the memory of Saints Cyril and Methodius on May 24. Official status received in 1991. Today is the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture - the only holiday in the Russian Federation that combines secular and religious events.

Brothers Cyril and Methodius were born into a noble family of a Byzantine military leader. Both were literate and educated people of its time. The elder brother Methodius devoted himself to military affairs at the beginning of his life, but his humanitarian inclinations and thirst for knowledge led him to the monastery. The youngest of the brothers, Kirill, was distinguished by philological inclinations from childhood. He determined for himself the path of enlightenment and purposefully walked towards it. Having received the priesthood, he led library activities at the Hagia Sophia and taught philosophical sciences.

The brothers' merit lies in the fact that they created the Slavic alphabet and developed a methodology for Slavic phrases. They translated several holy books, which contributed to the conduct and dissemination of worship in a language understandable to the Slavs.

Cyril and Methodius had deep knowledge of Greek and eastern cultures. Summarizing their experience in the field of writing, the brothers created the first Slavic alphabet. It became a great impetus for the development of culture and education in the Slavic states. Writing made it possible to develop Russian bookmaking and literature.

The significance of the contribution of the enlightenment brothers to the dissemination of writing, and with it religious knowledge, was highly appreciated by church ministers. The brothers received the status of saints after their death and their own holiday.

The origin of the holiday is inseparably linked with the memory of the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet - the Equal-to-the-Apostles brothers Cyril and Methodius.

Cyril and Methodius were born into a noble and pious family that lived in Thessaloniki (now Thessaloniki). The elder brother Methodius chose a military career, served as a dependent Byzantine Empire Slavic principality, where he learned the local language. After 10 years of service, he became a monk and then became abbot of a monastery in Bithynia.

Kirill s early age was interested in science, studied languages, and communicated with outstanding personalities of that time, such as the Byzantine chronicler Leon Grammatikos and Patriarch Photius. After completing his studies, he received the rank of priest, taught philosophy in Constantinople, and later moved to Methodius’s monastery, where he prayed and read a lot.

The reason for the creation of a new written language was the request of the Moravian prince Rostislav to send teachers to him so that they could preach in the native language of his subjects. These were times when the Slavic peoples were just emerging onto the historical stage and needed convincing sermons and public worship. In 863 the brothers began to create new alphabet. They significantly change the Greek alphabet and try to more accurately convey Slavic sounds. Using new writing, they translate books, texts from the Gospel, psalters, and chants for liturgies. As soon as the word of God sounded in the Slavic language, the need for local clergy immediately arose, so the most worthy were prepared for ordination. Listening to the lyrics Holy Scripture in their native language, people began to accept Christianity, and with it writing. Having inherited their own alphabet, the culture and spirituality of the Slavic countries experienced an unprecedented rise.

The Orthodox Church deeply honors the memory of the brothers. Already in the 11th century. day May 11 (May 24 to Gregorian calendar) is declared the day of remembrance of Saints Cyril and Methodius, and later, when science and enlightenment flourished, this day became a holiday of Slavic writing. In Rus', the custom of remembering Cyril and Methodius developed a long time ago, but at the state level the holiday was approved only in 1863, almost 1000 years after the introduction of the Cyrillic alphabet. In Soviet times, they completely forgot about it, but on May 24, 1986, several events were held in Murmansk, dedicated to the Day writing, and the following year it was celebrated in Kyiv, Minsk and Novgorod. In 1991, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR legalized the holiday as the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture.

Now in Russia the holiday is celebrated by both the church and the secular community. Along with memorable services, processions and pilgrimages to monasteries, exhibitions, presentations, literary readings, competitions and holiday concerts. This holiday is a reason for joy and pride in one’s national culture, both for believers and convinced atheists in many countries.

And it all started with Cyril and Methodius...

Kirill(in the world Constantine, nicknamed the Philosopher, 827-869, Rome) and Methodius(in the world Michael; 815-885, Velehrad, Moravia), brothers from the city of Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki), therefore also known as the “Thessaloniki brothers” - reformers of the Slavic alphabet and creators of the Church Slavonic language, preachers of Christianity.

Cyril and Methodius are canonized by the church and are revered as saints in both the East and the West. In Slavic Orthodoxy, “Slovenian teachers” are revered as saints, equal to the apostles; The order accepted according to church customs is “Methodius and Cyril,” although “Cyril and Methodius” has long been established.

Glagolitic and Cyrillic

Konstantin was a very educated man for his time. It was he who first began to translate books into Slavic, without which Divine services could not be performed, incl. Gospel, Apostle and Psalter.

In 856, Constantine (Cyril), together with his students Clement, Naum and Angelarius, came to the monastery, where his brother Methodius was abbot. In this monastery, a group of like-minded people formed around Constantine and Methodius (Gorazd, Clement, Savva, Naum, Angelyar) and they conceived the idea of creating a Slavic alphabet.

Cyril and Methodius first did a titanic job of isolating the sounds of the Slavic language, that is, main part any work to create a new written language. Then, to record church texts in the Slavic language, they developed a special alphabet - the Glagolitic alphabet.

The oldest surviving Glagolitic inscription with precise dating dates back to 893 and was made in the church of the Bulgarian Tsar Simeon in Preslav.

The Cyrillic alphabet, in turn, was created on the basis of the Glagolitic alphabet and the Greek alphabet. Alphabets were created based on the Cyrillic alphabet Belarusian language, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Ruthenian language/dialect, Russian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Montenegrin languages.

Thanks to the activities of the brothers, the alphabet became widespread in the South Slavic lands, which led in 885 to the prohibition of its use in church services by the Pope, who was struggling with the results of the mission of Cyril and Methodius.

The widespread spread of Slavic writing, its “golden age,” dates back to the reign of Tsar Simeon the Great in Bulgaria (893-927). At the end of the 10th century it became the language of the church in Kievan Rus.

The Old Church Slavonic language, being the language of the church in Rus', was influenced by Old Russian language. It was Old Slavonic language Russian edition, since it included elements of living East Slavic speech.

history of the holiday

The history of the holiday goes back a whole millennium and goes back to the church tradition that existed in Bulgaria in the 10th-11th centuries.

The earliest data on the celebration of the day of the Equal-to-the-Apostles enlightenment saints Cyril and Methodius on May 11 (May 24, new style) date back to the 12th century, although they were recognized as saints at the end of the 9th century. Separately, the memory of St. Cyril is celebrated on February 14, St. Methodius - on April 6, the days of their deaths.

During the Bulgarian Renaissance, the general holiday of Saints Cyril and Methodius turned into a holiday of the alphabet they created.

In the old days everyone Slavic peoples The day of remembrance of the holy brothers was celebrated, but then, under the influence of historical and political circumstances, they began to forget about it. But in early XIX centuries, along with the revival of the Slavic peoples, they also remembered the creators of Slavic writing.

In 1863, a resolution was adopted in Russia to celebrate the memory of Saints Cyril and Methodius on May 11 (May 24, new style).

In 1863, the Russian Holy Governing Synod established the celebration of both saints annually on May 11 (according to the Julian calendar) “in memory of the completion of the millennium from the initial sanctification of our Russian language by the Gospel and faith of Christ.”

By a decree of the Holy Synod in 1885, the memory of May 11 was classified as a middle holiday with a vigil. In 1901, the Synod decided to perform annually in churches in front of all educational institutions spiritual department solemn all-night vigil the day before and a liturgy followed by a prayer service to Methodius and Cyril on the very day of May 11, with the release of students from classes. The annual graduation ceremony was also held in church schools on May 11th.

In mid-July 1869, in the centuries-old forest across the Tsemes River, Czech settlers who arrived in Novorossiysk founded the village of Mefodievka, which was named in honor of St. Methodius.

The holiday in honor of Cyril and Methodius is a public holiday in Russia (since 1991), Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the Republic of Macedonia. In Russia, Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia the holiday is celebrated on May 24; in Russia and Bulgaria it is called the Day of Slavic Culture and Literature, in Macedonia - the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia the holiday is celebrated on July 5th.

Day of Slavic Literature and Culture

Day of Slavic Literature and Culture (Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius) - Russian name holiday.

IN Soviet time the communists did not want to celebrate at all church holidays, but it was also impossible to ignore such a significant event, therefore in 1986, when the 1100th anniversary of the repose of Methodius was celebrated, the day of May 24 was declared in the USSR “a holiday of Slavic culture and writing,” and on January 30, 1991, the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the RSFSR adopted resolution on the annual holding of “Days of Slavic Culture and Literature”.

It was then established that every year some new city became the capital of the holiday. locality Russia (except for 1989 and 1990, when the capitals were Kyiv and Minsk, respectively, then still part of the USSR).