Moscow celebrates the Days of Slavonic Literature and Culture

MOSCOW CELEBRATES THE DAYS OF SLAVONIC LITERATURE AND CULTURE

Every year the Slavonic Foundation of Russia conducts, together with the Moscow Patriarchate and governmental and public organizations, the Days of Slavonic Literature and Culture in Moscow.

These celebrations are indissolubly bound up with the memory of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius Equal-to-the-Apostles, the Enlighteners of the Slavs. On May 24 when the Church commemorates the Brothers of Thessaloniki, the state-church celebrations called the Days of Slavonic Literature and Culture began with the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Dormition in the Kremlin. It was celebrated by Metropolitan Sergius of Solnechnogorsk, Chancellor of the Moscow Patriarchate.

After the service, Metropolitan Sergius, assisted by a host of Moscow clergy, conducted a thanksgiving to the Enlighteners of the Slavs and read out a Message from His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia. The Presidential Envoy to the Russian Federation Central Region, G. Poltavchenko, read out a Message from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In the afternoon, a program of festive events called “Slavic World – Slavic Way” took place in the Central Culture and Entertainment Park. In the evening, “Boris Godunov”, an opera by Mysorgsky, was performed in Bolshoi Theatre. Present at the performance were heads of Moscow diplomatic missions from countries with predominantly Slavic and Orthodox population, Russian Orthodox clergy and cultural and scientific public in the capital city. A festive dinner was given at the Refectory Chambers of the Church of Christ the Savior. Messages of greetings were brought from the Russian Presidential Administration, the Federation Council and the State Duma Speaker, G. Seleznev.

Concerts, meetings with writers and poets, exhibitions and festivals were held from May 18 to June 1, 2002 in parks, gardens, libraries and clubs in the capital city.

Problems involved in the development of culture and education were considered at the International Symposium on Slavic World in the Third Millennium and the International Assembly of Slavic University Presidents. Representatives from 15 Slavic countries participating in these forums testified that Slavic unity was based on common history and cultural traditions. Messages of greetings were brought to the forums from Ms. L. Slizka, State Duma first deputy speaker, and Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov.

The most interesting works of Moscow artists were displayed at the Golden Brush exhibition in the Lesser Manezh. Most of the paintings were devoted to religious themes. The Greater Manezh became the place for a children’s art exhibition called “Little Golden Brush”.

The Bulgarian Culture and Information Center presented paintings by students of the State Academy of Slavic Culture and works of by famous Bulgarian artist Chudomir.

The Trade and Industry Chamber helped to organize an international students contest of video films called “Slavic Youth – Dreams and Hopes”.

On May 25, the Moscow Historical-Ethnographic Theatre invited Muscovites for a drama festival called “the Spring of Slavic Brotherhood”.

A meeting with writers, prizewinners of the Paternal Home Prize took place at the exhibition organized by the Russian State Children’s Library.

The Gogol Library together with the Ukrainian Cultural Center prepared a cultural and educational program called “In the Beginning Was the Word…” devoted to the interpenetration of Russian and Ukrainian cultures.

On May 27, the Sovremennik Theatre opened its doors to cultural workers and educators to take part in the festive program “Golden Library Card” devoted to the All-Russia Day of Libraries.

During two nights on May 30 and June 1, compositions by Rakhmaninov, performed by Russian People’s Artists V. Selevokhin and the Yaroslavl Academic Gubernatorial Symphonic Orchestra, resounded in the Church Councils Hall of the Church of Christ the Saviour.

Another thrust of the Slavic Foundation is work with children. For 10 years children’s Orthodox pilgrimages have been an integral part of the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture. Sunday school pupils from various cities in Russia visit monasteries and churches and do what they can to help restore these shrines. Annually over 800 children participate in these pilgrim missions.

On June 1, the Day of Children, the participants in the pilgrim mission gathered together for a festive meal at the refectory chambers of St. Daniel’s monastery. After the repast, they visited the Patriarchal Residence. From the hands of the father superior of the monastery, Archimandrite Alexy (Polikarpov) they received commemorative gifts. Representatives of the United Russia Party gave presents to small pilgrims.

Literary and artistic contests and festivals help to introduce children to the history and culture of their people, to develop their creative thinking and to present their thoughts and feelings in creative works. The best works will be included in “The Book of Peace”, a message to the children of the third millennium.

An exhibition called “The World Through the Child’s Eyes” was displayed in the building of the Russian Federation Audit Chamber. It was prepared by the Pedagogy of Creativity center.

Children from various parts of Russia took part in the Closing Concert of the 3d Glinka Russian Children’s Contest at the Conservatoire’s Grand Auditorium.

On the International Children’s Day, the State Palace of Children’s Arts organized a festive program called “The City of Childhood on Vorobyovy Hills”.

There were also a Slavic Lace folk show, a meeting with youth organized by the Museum of the Tale of Igor’s Host, a dancing festival “Eternal Russia” and other events.

On May 30, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia gave a festive reception on the occasion of the closing of the Days of Slavonic Literature and Culture. Present at the reception were state officials, clergy, ambassadors from Slavic states, scholars and artists. The participants in the reception gave a high appraisal to the work of the Slavic Foundation of Russia for consolidation of the unity of Slavic nations.