St Cyril and Methodius Day

St Cyril and Methodius Day (BGR) History

In Bulgaria, the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius is a celebration of the Bulgarian alphabet, education, and culture. This national holiday honors the creation of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets, which became fundamental to Slavic literacy. The day is a tribute to the enduring Bulgarian desire for spiritual and cultural growth. Festivities often include parades and free admission to municipal museums and galleries. It is a professional holiday for educators and anyone involved in the cultural and educational spheres.

The historical significance of Saints Cyril and Methodius extends throughout Europe. The two brothers from Thessaloniki were sent as missionaries to Great Moravia in the 9th century to promote Christianity among the Slavic peoples. They created the Glagolitic alphabet to translate religious texts into the local Slavic language, a precursor to the Cyrillic script. With Bulgaria's entry into the European Union in 2007, the Cyrillic alphabet became the third official script of the EU, following the Latin and Greek alphabets. This alphabet is now used by approximately 250 million people worldwide. In 1980, Pope John Paul II declared Saints Cyril and Methodius co-patron saints of Europe, recognizing their role in bridging Eastern and Western cultures.

Saints Cyril and Methodius are honored in several European nations in two different days. In Bulgaria, the observance takes place on May 24th as reflected here. Bulgarians around the world participate in celebrations, reaffirming their cultural identity. The Czech Republic and Slovakia, celebrate this day on July 5th with religious services and cultural events. Across the European Union, the day serves as a reminder of the continent's shared cultural and linguistic heritage.

Top 5 Facts for St Cyril and Methodius Day (Bulgaria) in 2026

• The holiday is officially known as The Day of Bulgarian Education and Culture and of the Slavonic Alphabet. It was officially declared a public holiday in Bulgaria on March 30, 1990. In 2020, its name was updated to The Day of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius, of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture and of Slavonic Literature.
• While the commemoration of Saints Cyril and Methodius has been celebrated in Bulgaria since the 12th century, the modern celebration of the holiday began on May 11, 1851, in Plovdiv, initiated by Nayden Gerov. An even earlier mention of a celebration of the Bulgarian script exists in an Armenian chronicle from 1813, noting a celebration in Shumen in 1803.
• Saints Cyril and Methodius were declared co-patron saints of Europe by Pope John Paul II in 1980, recognized for their significant contribution to the cultural growth and education of the continent. They are seen as a bridge between Eastern and Western Christian traditions.
• The Cyrillic alphabet, a simplified version of the Glagolitic script created by Cyril and Methodius, was developed at the Bulgarian Preslav Literary School in the late 9th century. Their disciples, Kliment of Ohrid and Naum of Preslav, are credited with modifying the Glagolitic alphabet to create Cyrillic, named in honor of Saint Cyril. This development marked the beginning of Bulgaria's linguistic and cultural revolution.
• Since Bulgaria's accession to the European Union on January 1, 2007, the Cyrillic alphabet has become one of the three official alphabets of the EU, alongside Latin and Greek. This makes the Bulgarian language the 23rd "linguae europeae" and brings the number of official alphabets in the Union to three. Today, the Cyrillic alphabet is used by approximately 300 million people in over 12 countries.

In the News and Trending for St Cyril and Methodius Day

Top things to do

• Visit one of the many St Cyril and Methodius monuments around the Slavic world. There are monuments in Russia, Macedonia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.
• If you are not already familiar with the Cyrillic alphabet, pick up some learning materials and have a go at it. Compare the Greek, Roman and Cyrillic alphabets and try to find similarities and differences. There are many tools to help you online.
• Spread awareness for the day on social media sites using hashtags such as #CyrilMethodius, #CyrilicAlphabet and #SaintsCyrilandMethodius.
• Donate books, supplies and educational materials to schools around Slavic countries. This is a popular way to celebrate the enlightenment and culture associated with the Slavonic alphabet and the feast day.
• Watch a documentary about Saints Cyril and Methodius. Some of our recommendations include: Cyril and Methodius and Apostles of the Slavs - Two Brothers One Life Mission.