Vážení čtenáři,

Let us bring you information about the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius (ECRSCM) mostly from the month of July and wish you a pleasant reading.

A group of pilgrims embarked on a three-year walking pilgrimage along the Cyril and Methodius Trail from Levý Hradec to Velehrad. On 20-26 July, they set off on the final leg of the 160 km long route from Bystřice nad Pernštejnem in the Highlands to Velehrad. The last stage along the longest route of the Cyril and Methodius Trail in the Czech Republic, called the Czech-Moravian Trail, offered encounters with several monasteries - for example in Tišnov, Vranov or Velehrad. There is also the Santini Basilica in Křtiny, wandering through the Moravian Karst, the Ždánice Forest or the Chřiby Mountains, where, in addition to Buchlov Castle, there are a number of memorable places associated with the legends of Slavic heroes. Over 30 pilgrims were led by an experienced guide Tomáš Jindřich.

At the end at the Velehrad Basilica, photo by Martina Janochová. 

On a sunny day 19 June, a memorial celebration dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius was held in Zalavár, Hungary, on the site of the former Blatnohrad. It was organised by the Slovak Self-Government of the Municipality of the City of Budapest (SSB), which organises this event every year to honour the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Thessaloniki brothers. This year's pilgrimage was also special in that it was attended by pupils from the Budapest Slovak school together with their teachers and a dignified gentleman from Komlóš, Slovakia, who was also accompanied by youth. Together with the representatives of the Slovak municipalities from different districts of Budapest, they formed a colourful and dignified community that came to pay tribute to two exceptional men of history. Edita Hortiová, chairwoman of the municipality, recalled that Saints Cyril and Methodius not only proclaimed the Christian faith, but also brought writing, language and cultural identity. It was their courage to proclaim the Gospel in the language of the people that was pioneering and significant in the 9th century. One of the centres of this mission became Blatnohrad, later known as Zalavár. 

Commemorative event in Zalavár, photo by the SSB. 

Also this year, around St. John's Day, when the longest night of the year is celebrated, the centre of Devín became an imaginary place of Great Moravia. The Cyril and Methodius Festival in Devín reminded the inhabitants and visitors of the atmosphere of the early Middle Ages. Visitors enjoyed fencing performances, live crafts, a period concert, guided tours and children's workshops. For a short video of the event, please see zde.

The event also had an international dimension. Ivan Láska, Councillor for Culture and Tourism of the Zlín Region and Chairman of the ECRSCM Association, and Svatopluk Binder, Deputy Governor of the Olomouc Region, participated from the Czech Republic. The Bulgarian Cultural Institute Bratislava organised the travelling exhibition "Hidden Letters", which was an accompanying event of the Cyril and Methodius Historical Festivities in Devín. The exhibition was opened by Mr. Vasil Petkov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Slovakia.

The historical festivities at Devín also offered a number of activities for children, photo by Slovak House of Centrope.

The traditional Slovak Pribina and Cyril and Methodius festivities Nitra, drahá Nitra took place on 4-6 July. During this year's event, the opening of the exhibition Thessaloniki – On the roads of its historical monuments, during the period of Saints Cyril and Methodius was held. It was inaugurated by the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Slovakia H. E. Athanasios Ioannou and the Mayor of Nitra Marek Hattas. The exhibition represents a pilot cooperation between the cities of Nitra and Thessaloniki. 

The exhibition about Thessaloniki in the Synagogue was opened by the Greek Ambassador to Slovakia Athanasios Ioannou (left), photo by City of Nitra. 

The programme also included a Cyrillo-Methodian pilgrimage, which promotes the cultural route associated with the mission of the brothers of Thessaloniki. The tour was also attended by the President of the ECRSCM Ivan Láska, Councillor for Culture and Tourism of the Zlín Region. Visitors could take part in various accompanying events and watch the documentary On Motorbikes in the Footsteps of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in the Palace cinema, which presents their legacy in an unconventional way. The culmination of the festivities was a concert by Jiří Pavlica & Hradistan with the Slovak Chamber Orchestra, which brought a strong atmosphere and musical rendition of the Cyril and Methodius legacy. Nitra, Dear Nitra is the city's biggest event, which annually brings together history, traditions and the present in Slovakia's oldest city. A number of ECRSCM members participate in the programme of the festivities.

Video

Wandering along the Cyril and Methodius Route as part of the festivities started at the Zobor Monastery, photo by the City of Nitra. 

The Cyril and Methodius Celebrations took place on Saturday 5 July at the Slavic fortress of Valy in Bojná (Slovakia), bringing a rich programme for all ages and the atmosphere of Great Moravia. The event offered a range of activities and attractions, including a period concert, demonstrations of period crafts and falconry, archery and historical cuisine, a demonstration of medieval battles, activities for children, and a Holy Mass.

Over 100 children took part in the battle with the Great Moravian warriors in Bojná, photo by Peter Faltys.

A project to build a new archaeological park in the village of Bojná was also presented. ECRSCM partners from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and North Macedonia also visited the local Museum of Great Moravia as part of the programme of the festivities. 

Meeting of members of the Cyril and Methodius Route at the fortress in Bojná, photo by Hilda Kramáreková. 

The valuable content of the XXXVI. Cyril and Methodius Days (4.-6.7.), dedicated to the celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025, included, in addition to Masses and various spiritual events, commemorative and educational programmes, talks, classical music concerts, singing performances, traditional puppet theatre, exhibitions, the premiere of a film documentary, brass band performances and folklore. A strong artistic experience and human atmosphere was provided to the appreciative audience and listeners by the closing international gala concert entitled Reciprocity, in which Jiří Pavlica & Hradišťan and the Slovak Chamber Orchestra with conductor Ewald Daniel performed in the Terchová church. During the Cyrillo-Methodian Mass on 5 July, a new cross was consecrated on the pilgrimage hill of Oravcové. 

Jiří Pavlica, Rudolf Patrnčiak and Ewald Daniel at the gala concert in the Terchová church, photo by František Mucha. 

Velehrad was once again transformed into the venue of one of the largest cultural and spiritual events in the Czech Republic. The Days of People of Good Will, which took place on 4 and 5 July, offered a varied programme with a deep spiritual and social impact. The festivities, which commemorate the arrival of the Slavic heroes Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia, offer, in addition to the traditional pilgrimage, beautiful music, interesting workshops, activities for children, sports competitions, a spiritual dimension, as well as calls for reflection and solidarity. The programme included the traditional Evening of People of Good Will, a festive beneficent concert. The Cyril and Methodius Route was presented at Velehrad at a stand together with the Cistercian Landscapes project.

The Cyril and Methodius Route was presented in Velehrad by Petr Slinták, National Coordinator in the Czech Republic, photo ECRSCM  archive

This year, in addition to project activities, international development and the running of the Association, the ECRSCM is focusing on the popularisation of the Cyril and Methodius Route. A number of meetings with partners such as municipalities, NGOs, entrepreneurs, parishes have been prepared through joint meetings of Local Action Groups (LAGs). In the first half of the year, presentations were made in the Zlín Region (LAG Severní Chřiby and Pomoraví, Rožnovsko, Buchlov, Vizovicko and Slušovicko, Valašsko - Horní Vsacko, Bojkovsko) and with partners in the Vysočina Region (LAG Havlíčkův kraj, meeting with partners of Vysočina Tourism). Further presentations are planned for autumn. The meetings are important not only for raising awareness of the Cyril and Methodius Route among local development actors, but also for obtaining valuable feedback.

The ECRSCM Association has established media cooperation with the Czech Radio Proglas. The result is an hour-long interview with representatives of the Cyril and Methodius Route and a summer broadcast of a series of 22 audio reports that will introduce important sites included in the network of this cultural, pilgrimage and tourist project. The interview with the representatives of the ECRSCM - the Chairwoman of the Managing Committee, Dr. Dana Daňová, and the National Coordinator of the Route in the Czech Republic, Dr. Petr Slinták, was broadcast on 3 July and can be heard zde.

From the exhibition "Codes of Identity - Faith, Language, People", photo by Alexander Gorchev. 

The Holý Hill is a symbol of the Chřiby Mountains and has been associated with human life in the picturesque mountains since time immemorial. It is no coincidence that the Cyril and Methodius Route runs around it, connecting places with a Great Moravian heritage and taking care of the cultural heritage of our Slavic ancestors. On Saturday, 19 July, the Chřiby guide and about 25 participans made a one-day hike here. They also visited the beautiful rocks of Karlovica and Zbojník.

Wandering in Chřiby around Holý Hill, photo by Pavel Zrna.

The exhibition "About Cyril and Methodius – Then and Now", created by the Cyrillo-Methodian Research Centre at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences with the contribution of partners within the Association, is on display at the University Library of the Technical University of Gabrovo in June and July. It was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maya Ivanova from CMRC who also delivered a lecture titled "Cyril and Methodius in Cultural Memory".

The exhibition panels present contemporary expressions of reverence for the legacy of the Slavic Apostles across 11 European countries - and even as far as the icy shores of Antarctica. It stands as a powerful testament to the rich and multifaceted nature of the Cyrillo-Methodian tradition, which has evolved over time through religious and secular celebrations, academic and educational programs, art festivals, pilgrimages, and much more.

Text: Elka Zlateva, PhD. 

Exhibition in Gabrovo, Bulgaria, photo by Technical University of Gabrovo.

The exhibition "The Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius and their Disciples" is on display at the Museum of Migrant Gardening in the town of Lyaskovets.

The traveling exhibition is visiting the town at the invitation of the Lyaskovets Municipality and will remain on display at the museum for about a month. It was presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Iva Trifonova from the Cyrillo-Methodian Research Centre at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and vice mayor of the city Mr. Emilia Zhilieva.

The exhibition is bilingual (in Bulgarian and English) and highlights some of the key places associated with the memory of Cyril and Methodius across the European cultural landscape. It begins with their birthplace in Thessaloniki and traces their path through Constantinople, Great Moravia, Rome, Reichenau, Bulgaria, and Serbia.

Text: Elka Zlateva, PhD.

Exhibition in Lyaskovets, Bulgaria, photo by Iva Trifonova. 

The doyen of Polish Palaeoslavic Studies, Bulgarian Studies, and Cyrillo-Methodian Studies, Prof. Alexander Naumow was awarded with Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius by Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mrs. Iliana Yotova for his exceptional accomplishments in the study of the Cyrillo-Methodian tradition.

The solemn and grand ceremony was held on June 24 in the Jagiellonian University in Warsaw, Poland where the doctoral title of prof. Naumov was renewed on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its original conferment. The Rector of the University, Prof. Piotr Jedynak, PhD habil., highlighted Prof. Naumow’s significant contributions to their Alma Mater and his outstanding scholarly and teaching achievements. On behalf of the President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, congratulations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Slavia Barlieva.

Text: Elka Zlateva, PhD. 

Prof. Naumow's award in Warsaw, photo by Slavia Barlieva. 

For another consecutive year, from July 14 onward, the traditional Summer School took place across the halls of the Veliki Preslav Museum, the archaeological park, the historical-archaeological reserve, and the ethnographic house.

This year’s program not only offered engaging games and practical activities related to archaeology and its role in discovering and preserving the historic and cultural heritage, but also spotlighted two significant anniversaries in Bulgarian history:

1160 years since the Christianization of the Bulgarian people, and

1170 years since the creation of the Glagolitic alphabet by St. Cyril and Methodius

Over several days, the kids explored the lives and contributions of the Holy brothers -  delved into their hagiographies, traced their journeys across Europe in defence of the Slavic literacy, and mapped out the key stages of their mission, later expanded upon by their disciples. They wrote and illustrated Glagolitic and Cyrillic letters and as a creative finale, they crafted personalized bookmarks featuring both alphabets - unique souvenirs to take home or gift to friends and family.

Text: Elka Zlateva, PhD. 

Summer school in Veliki Preslav, photo by Alexander Gorchev. 

The lectures were carried out on June 11th and July 8th in the “Lubomir Kunchev” library of the Chitalishte “Nikolay Haytov - 1936” in Sofia by Assoc. Prof. Tatyana Ilieva and Dr. Inna Dimitrova within the framework of the project “Scientific and Theological Aspects in the Study of Glagolitic Alphabet, 2025-2026”.

The audience was introduced to the interpretation of the Glagolitic letters ONЪ and OTЪ within their semiotic and theological context, highlighting their association with the most sacred period of the Orthodox liturgical year - the journey from Resurrection to Pentecost. The presentation also explored the origins of Glagolitic graphemes, the symbolism of sounds and letter names, the principles behind the formation and distribution of signs within the Glagolitic alphabet matrix, and the role of the Glagolitic script as a cosmological model in medieval Slavic theological education. Special attention was given to the palindromic letters VEDI and DOBRO, emphasizing their symbolic reference to the Biblical Hexaemeron.

During both events, special attention was paid to the Cyril and Methodius Cultural Route – its goals, the current itinerary, the prospects for its growth, and the Foundation's participation in promoting its initiatives among scholars and general public. The audience also enjoyed the musical performance of a guest-musician from Austria – Mag.Arte Lubomir Gospodinov. 

Text: Elka Zlateva, PhD.

From the lecture of the Glagolitica Foundation, photo by Inna Dimitrova.

Veligrad - Fight for the Fortress, Modrá, Czechia (9-10 Aug) 

Exhibition Hlaholika in typographies by Jozef Vydrnák, Regional Museum Mojmírovce, Slovakia (until 10 Aug)

Wandering along the Great Moravian Route Strážnice - Bzenec, Czechia (6 Sep) 

Slavs in Svätý Jur, Slovakia (6 Sep)

Wandering in the White Carpathians Bojkovice - Luhačovice, Czechia (20 Sep)

Exhibition "Hidden Letters", Church of the Holy Cross, Bratislava-Devín, Slovakia (until 25 Sep)

Evropská kulturní cesta sv. Cyrila a Metoděje, I.A.L.E.

J. A. Bati 5520, 760 01 Zlín, Česká republika

Tel: +420 733 161 674

E-mail: info@cyril-methodius.eu

Web: www.cyril-methodius.eu

Evropská kulturní cesta sv. Cyrila a Metoděje is an interest association of legal entities based in the Czech Republic, founded in 2013. It promotes the living Cyrillo-Methodian legacy and values based on respect and dialogue between people of different cultures and faiths. As a cultural tourism product, the Cyril and Methodius Route was awarded the title of a  Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in 2021. The Association European Cultural Route of Sts. Cyril and Methodius is responsible for its management and marketing.

The Cultural Routes programme, launched by the Council of Europe in 1987, demonstrates in a visible way, by means of a journey through space and time, how the heritage of the different countries and cultures of Europe represent a shared cultural heritage. The Cultural Routes support the mission of the Council of Europe in promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law across Europe and beyond. They promote awareness of Europe’s common heritage and put into practice cultural democracy and cultural diversity, dialogue, and mutual exchange across boundaries and centuries within Europe as well as with other countries and regions. As of 2025, there are 49 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (www.coe.int/routes). 

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