NATIONAL celebrations marking the 1,151st anniversary of the arrival of Ss Cyril and Methodius on the territory of modern-day Slovakia took place in Nitra on July 5 with thousands of pilgrims in attendance, the TASR newswire reported.
The celebrations, held on a national holiday dedicated to the two Byzantine Christian missionaries, were organised under the auspices of Prime Minister Robert Fico.
The event also featured a ceremonial mass, which was celebrated by Metropolitan Archbishop of Lublin Stanislaw Budzik. Addressing the pilgrims, Budzik emphasised the importance of the mission of the two Byzantine brothers for the whole of Europe.
In addition, Apostolic Nuncio to Slovakia Mario Giordana, who also attended the celebrations, brought with him an apostolic blessing from Pope Francis. Slovak President Andrej Kiska also sent his best wishes to those taking part in the event.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Michaela Terenzani from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information
presented in its Flash News postings.