MOSCOW, May 24. (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a greeting to the participants and guests of the celebrations devoted to the Day of the Slavic Alphabet and Culture. "Honoring of the great enlighteners, holy brothers Cyril and Methodius has become a really national tradition," reads the greeting released by the President's press service on Tuesday.
"For several decades this holiday has been widely celebrated in Russia, attracting foreign guests and providing a good example of the inseparable historical connection and cultural unity of Slavic people. The Russian Orthodox Church has invariably played an important role in organizing and holding the celebrations."
"The program of the Day of the Slavic Alphabet and Culture has always included interesting exhibitions and concerts, scientific conferences and meetings with cultural figures. I am positive that this holiday will leave very good memories for all the participants and guests and will allow them to join once again the richest spiritual and cultural legacy of Slavic peoples. And will, naturally, promote friendly contacts and understanding between people," the text reads.
The Day of the Slavic Alphabet and Culture is celebrated today in Russia and some other countries. It is more often known as the day of commemoration of the first teachers of Slavic peoples, creators of the Slavic alphabet, Sts. Cyril and Methodius. The Slavic alphabet is believed to have appeared on May 24, 863. It took the holy brothers 40 months to create it.
The Day is celebrated in all of Russia, but every year a capital of the holiday is elected, where the celebrations are especially grand. In 2004 the major celebrations took place in Samara, while this year they will be held in the Rostov region in Southern Russia.
