On May 23, 2025, a solemn assembly was held at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) in anticipation of the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture, and Slavic Literature.
Among the special guests were Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and the Minister of Education and Science, Krasimir Valchev.
The event continued with the presentation of the “Prof. Marin Drinov” and “Acad. Ivan Ev. Geshov” awards for young and emerging scientists.
Students from the National Music Academy “Prof. Pancho Vladigerov” gave musical performances, and guests viewed the exhibition “In the Footsteps of the Disciples: The Cyril and Methodius Route in Bulgaria,” part of the European Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, presented by the Cyril and Methodius Research Center of BAS.
Patriarch Daniel on the enduring legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius
In his address, Patriarch Daniel reflected on the profound impact of Saints Cyril and Methodius on Bulgarian identity, stating: “The holy brothers Cyril and Methodius… have a cherished place in the souls and hearts of all Bulgarians from the earliest age.”
He emphasized the enduring gratitude felt by generations: “More than 1,130 years later… all who have crossed the threshold of the native school truly sing their praises, and their name indeed ‘lives in the love of the whole people.’”
Connecting literacy and spirituality, he recalled: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”—with these words… the holy brothers laid the foundation of our literary language.”
He added: “Our national enlightenment begins with the Word—the Divine Logos… the Light ‘which shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.’”
Patriarch Daniel also highlighted the spiritual danger of abandoning Christian roots: “Nations are naked without Books… for without the weapon of Scripture they cannot strike down the enemy of our souls.”
Reflecting on recent history, he warned: “Decades of atheistic rule… have led to the neglect of this legacy, leaving society vulnerable to lies, deception, manipulation… the collapse of social structures and the family.”
He concluded that true enlightenment must return to its divine source: “The love with which [the Saints] and their disciples gifted our ancestors… continues to inspire us. Their work is not just cultural but deeply spiritual, rooted in the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
