PM: May 24, Day of Slav Letters, Is Reminder of Bulgaria's Contribution to Global Culture

Nikolay Zabov

From left: Culture Minister Bachev, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov, Metropolitan Anthony in Rome, May 22, 2025 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)

Rome,

22.05.2025 22:57

(BTA)

In his remarks at the Bulgarian Embassy here on Thursday, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that May 24, the Day of Slav Letters, is an opportunity to remember how much Bulgaria has contributed to global culture, how significant the contribution of the Bulgarian state is to the literary and cultural development of the peoples of Europe.

Zhelyazkov is heading an official delegation that will pay tribute to the holy places associated with the work of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The delegation includes Culture Minister Marian Bachev, Deputy Minister of Education and Science Tanya Mihaylova, Metropolitan Anthony, and Petko Valov, Bishop of the Eparchy of St John XXIII for the Catholics of the Byzantine rite in Bulgaria.

The Prime Minister pointed out that May 24 is the Day of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius, of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture and of Slav Letters. He noted that in 868, Cyril and Methodius arrived in Rome and were received by Pope Adrian II in Santa Maria Maggiore. The Pope authorized the use of the new Slavic liturgy. The Bulgarian alphabet became the fourth in which the holy books can be written.

In 1880, Pope Leo XIII introduced their feast into the calendar of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. A hundred years later, Pope John Paul II declared them co-patron saints of Europe.

Zhelyazkov stated that no other holiday makes Bulgarians feel more united and prouder of their long and worthy history. He also emphasized the excellent bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Italy.

Zhelyazkov laid wreaths at the monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Embassy.

On Friday, the Prime Minister will be received in audience by Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace. Zhelyazkov will then meet Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

/RY/