(A Source of Values in the Cultural Life of the Slavs)

Abstract: Slavic script and Slavonic literature belong to the most important cultural values brought by Constantine-Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia. The source of these values was the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire and its culture which significantly influenced the history of Slavic nations and their position within the European cultural space. The study discusses three historical documents which demonstrate the supremacy of the Byzantine Empire as a cultural centre viewed from the Slavs’ perspective and clarifies the process of reception of Byzantine cultural and spiritual values in Slavic countries. Although the Cyrillo-Methodian mission requested by Rastislav, the Duke of Great Moravia, failed to include Great Moravia permanently into the countries belonging to the Byzantine sphere of influence, the creation of the Slavic alphabet, the origins of Slavonic literature and the use of a Slavic language in liturgy were the most efficient means to promote Byzantine influence on Slavic nations. Cultural legacy of the Cyrillo-Methodian mission moved to the South and Eastern Slavs who accepted Christianity of the Byzantine tradition and became the members of a large cultural community which was known in the language of Byzantium as οἰκουμένη (world). Many cultural elements which formed their value system became a part of their religious and everyday life.

Authors: Zozuľak, Ján

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2019.12.1.13-21

Publication order reference: prof. ThDr. Ján Zozuľak, PhD.; Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Faculty of Arts, Department of Philosophy, Hodžova 1, 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: 13-21 (PDF file)

Keywords: CONSTANTINE-CYRIL, METHODIUS, GREAT MORAVIA, BYZANTINE EMPIRE, CULTURE, VALUES, SLAVIC SCRIPT, SLAVONIC LITERATURE

Language: SLOVAK