Rome, 23 May 2025 (MIA) - A state-church delegation led by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova attended a prayer service Friday at the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome, held at the tomb of Saint Cyril in observance of May 24, Ss. Cyril and Methodius Day.

According to MIA’s correspondent, the prayer service was led by Metropolitan Josif of Tetovo-Gostivar and Bishop Jakov of Stobi, in attendance of several priests.

“Once again this year, we gather in the eternal city of Rome, on the eve of the holiday honouring the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius. At the tomb of Saint Cyril, we offer our respects and gratitude for their spiritual legacy and mark their memory with prayer. Today, we are reminded once more that the memory of their work transcends time, as even more than 1,156 years have not diminished the lasting importance of their contributions to pan-Slavic culture,” Metropolitan Josif said.

“Over the years, many Macedonian bishops and priests have delivered inspiring messages here in the Basilica of San Clemente, honouring the great teacher Cyril. But for a saint like him, there is always something more to say. Together with his brother Methodius, he accomplished a mission of apostolic significance, becoming apostles to the Slavs. Their work in spreading knowledge remains an invaluable and timeless contribution to Christian heritage,” Metropolitan Josif said.

He noted that his message today reflects Macedonian gratitude to Saint Cyril, who created the first Slavic alphabet, Glagolitic, and brought the Slavic language into liturgical use. In doing so, he helped enlighten the Slavic world and challenged the trilingual heresy, firmly upholding the right of all peoples to access the Christian faith in their own language.

“Today, we have come from the places where you began your first mission, to thank you for all that you have done for our people — for their cultural and spiritual enlightenment and growth. We have come, and we will always continue to come, to tell you that we remain devoted to your sacred mission. We are proud, and with dedication, through generations, starting from Saint Clement and continuing to this day, wherever the Macedonian people live and wherever the Macedonian language is spoken, we preserve and honour your memory. For you laid the foundation upon which our culture, language, and literacy were built; you are the pillars of our Church and our state, and you are our identity among the other nations,” Metropolitan Josif said.

According to the MIA correspondent, the ceremonial event at the basilica was attended by the Minister of Culture, Zoran Ljutkov, the Director of the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Groups, Olivera Trajkovska and the representative of the Catholic Church, priest Zoran Stojanov.

The tribute to Saint Cyril’s tomb in Rome is the main event marking the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius. First held in 1969, on the 1,100th anniversary of his death, it has since been observed annually on May 24 with the highest honours by church and state delegation. 

Traditionally, May 24 was a day dedicated only to educational institutions and educators, but since 2007 it has also been a national holiday in Macedonia.

On Saturday, the Macedonian delegation, led by President Siljanovska-Davkova, will visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to lay a wreath at the Macedonian-language memorial plaque for Saints Cyril and Methodius and visit Pope Francis’s tomb.

Photo: MIA