(The Cyrillo-Methodian Cult and Religiosity in Slovakia from the 19th to the 21st Century)

Abstract: The paper focuses on the significance of the Cyrillo-Methodian cult and it is based on the findings of the long-term research. It deals with the diffusion and maintenance of cultural heritage of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in modern Slovak history. One of the aims of the paper is to study the impact of the Cyrillo-Methodian cult within a wider context of religiosity of social groups and classes in Slovakia. It presents some specific features of the cult of Ss. Cyril and Methodius and their disciples in Slovakia, and highlights the impact of the current church-political situation on the growth of the cult and its influence on political, church and other professional institutions. Synchronic and diachronic approach used in interdisciplinary research allowed a complex view on the spread of the cult in specific historical periods in Slovakia. Historical analysis is followed by the author’s reflections on how the Cyrillo-Methodian cultural heritage relates to the religious ethical level. The Solun brothers’ mission emphasised piety (and a religious worldview per se) typical for the eastern religiosity. The study tries to define several aspects of the brothers’ work; especially those which deal with the growth of the spiritual essence of the society. As the Second Vatican Council and the documents of Pope John Paul II show, these issues remain topical and inspiring even today.

Authors: Hetényi, Martin

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2019.12.1.141-158 (PDF file)

Publication order reference: doc. PhDr. Martin Hetényi, PhD.; Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Faculty of Arts, Institute for Research of Constantine and Methodius’ Cultural Heritage, Štefánikova 67, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: Konštatínove listy, 2019, vol.: 12, issue: 1, pages: 141-158 (PDF file)

Keywords: CYRILLO-METHODIAN TRADITION, MODERN SLOVAK HISTORY, RELIGIOSITY

Language: SLOVAK