Slavonic script as an act of resistance, freedom and justice

‘CYRIL AND METHODIUS – THE ENLIGHTENERS OF THE SLAVS’

World premier of the film by Maria Hatzimichali-Papaliou

at the 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival,

Sunday 9 March at 18:00 in the ‘Pavlos Zannas’ theatre

The new dramatized documentary focuses on the life and work of the holy brothers from Thessaloniki, Cyril and Methodius, who were active during the 9th century. Their ecumenical mission, marked by the creation of the Slavic script, played a crucial role in shaping the identity of the Slavic peoples.

The Saints and protectors of Europe transformed the cultural and spiritual landscape of the continent, embodying in their time the timeless aspiration to change the world.  

Their legacy and achievements initiate a dialogue – not only about the past but also about the present – conveying the enduring truth of their lives.

The film is based on historical sources and real events.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE FILM

1942. In Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, a group of resistance fighters seeks sanctuary in an Orthodox church. They have just assassinated Reinhard Heydrich, the infamous “Butcher of Prague”. They are found, arrested and executed by the Nazis, their story is one of defiance and sacrifice.

But how did an Orthodox church come to exist in the heart of Europe?

To answer that, we must journey back twelve centuries to the time of the Thessalonian brothers Cyril (Constantine-Kyrillos) and Methodius, whose mission to convert the Slavs to Christianity laid the foundation for a profound cultural and spiritual transformation. Along with their disciples, they created the Slavic alphabet, an achievement that shaped the identity of many nations and decisively altered the course of European history.

A millennium later, the Roman Catholic Church formally recognized their contributions. In an apostolic encyclical issued on December 30, 1980, Pope John Paul II declared

Cyril and Methodius patrons of Europe.

The film traces this extraordinary journey through key locations, including Constantinople, Rome, Venice, Prague, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Germany and, of course, Macedonia, their home city of Thessaloniki, the towns of Kastoria, Florina, Siatista, the islet of Agios Achilleios, Prespes and Ochrid.