Rome, 24 May 2025 (MIA) – The Day of the Slavic Educators was celebrated Saturday evening in Rome with the concert “Makedonissimo” by Simon Trpcheski, part of the cultural program of the “Macedonia in Honour of St. Cyril” event.

According to MIA correspondent, the Macedonian state and church delegation, headed by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, attended the concert. The delegation has been in Rome and the Vatican since Friday for the May 24 celebrations.

Zoran Ljutkov, Minister of Culture and member of the delegation as well as organizer of the event, greeted the guests, highlighting that the “Macedonia in Honour of St. Cyril” celebration has been taking place in Rome for over fifty years, at the Church of San Clemente where Saint Cyril, one of the foremost educators and spiritual figures of the Slavic world, is buried.

“Exactly here, in this holy city where his remains rest, we gather with deep gratitude and respect. We are thankful for the script and language the brothers Cyril and Methodius gave us and honour their vision, which not only brought light to the darkness of illiteracy but also laid the foundations of our identity within European civilization,” said Minister Ljutkov ahead of Trpcheski’s concert.

This year’s celebration takes on a deeper meaning as it coincides with the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, Ljutkov noted.

“The symbolism is profound: a new beginning, at the very time we commemorate the man who brought Christianity to the Slavs. Today’s event is therefore a symbolic link between word and music, history and modern times, spiritual legacy and artistic expression,” he said.

Introducing pianist Simon Trpcheski’s concert tonight, he stressed that every one of Simon’s performances proves that art is universal, that it unites and uplifts, and that through it, the spiritual, the divine, and the human come together.

“Simon, with his art, conquers not only the world, but in every tone, every chord, on every stage, he tells the story of our country, of our joy, our sorrow, our perseverance. What he brings to the stage is not just music – it is soul, it is Macedonia,” said Ljutkov.

Minister of Culture Zoran Ljutkov referred to tonight’s concert as a modern prayer, “not expressed in words but through music.”

He emphasized that the work of Saint Cyril should continue to lead us through centuries, culture, and the spirit of the nation, stating, “Language is our home, culture is our light, and unity is our strength,” he added.

Photo: MIA