Thousands of people from across Slovakia paid tribute to Saints Cyril and Methodius in a nationwide pilgrimage in Nitra on Sunday. National festivities are held annually on July 5, which is a holiday dedicated to the two Byzantine Christian missionaries, marking the anniversary of their arrival on the territory of present-day Slovakia in 863.
The main celebrant of the ceremonial mass on Svätopluk Square in the centre of Nitra was Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Slovakia Mario Giordana, who conveyed greetings from Pope Francis. Prime Minister Robert Fico and Parliamentary Chairman Peter Pellegrini were also in attendance. Giordana emphasised the importance of the mission of the two Byzantine brothers for the whole of Europe, pointing to the unchanged character of values represented by Cyril and Methodius despite the passing of centuries. He called for 'spiritual recreation' for Europe, a continent which he believes must rediscover its Christian roots, from which it has been moving away slowly.
Bishop of Nitra Viliam Judák noted that Slovakia is currently remembering the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Nitra. "In front of a crowd of 400,000, mainly young people, he [Pope John Paul II] pointed out how great a gift we received in the faith that Saints Cyril and Methodius brought to us. John Paul II called Nitra a cradle of Christianity", said Judák.
