Bulgaria on May 11 marks the church feast dedicated to the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius, honoring the creators of Slavic literacy, as well as the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture, and Slavic Literature. The date also commemorates Saint Simeon Divnogorets, a revered Christian ascetic from the sixth century.
Although the Bulgarian Orthodox Church adopted the new calendar style in 1968, the state celebration connected to the Solun brothers has remained on May 24. Because of this, Bulgaria uniquely honors Cyril and Methodius twice each year. The liturgical observance is held on May 11, while the nationwide secular celebrations continue later in the month.
Today, churches, schools, universities, and cultural institutions across the country organize prayer services and ceremonies dedicated to education, literature, and the Bulgarian alphabet. Other Orthodox Slavic nations that continue to follow the old calendar style, including Serbia, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, and North Macedonia, also commemorate the brothers on this date.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church describes Cyril and Methodius as equal-to-the-apostles because of their role in spreading Christianity and literacy among the Slavic peoples. Born in Thessaloniki during the Byzantine era, the brothers received exceptional education and later devoted themselves to religious and cultural work instead of pursuing public careers.
Cyril, whose secular name was Constantine, became known as a philosopher and scholar, while Methodius built a career in administration before joining his brother in missionary work. Their historic mission began after Prince Rostislav of Moravia requested priests capable of preaching in the Slavic language.
The two brothers created the first Slavic alphabet, Glagolitic, and translated religious texts so ordinary people could worship and study Christianity in their native language instead of Greek or Latin. Their work later laid the foundation for the Cyrillic alphabet used today across much of the Slavic world.
Their mission faced resistance from parts of the Latin clergy, who opposed the use of Slavic languages in church services. Despite the pressure, the brothers received support from Byzantium and Moravian rulers, allowing their work to continue and spread.
Cyril died in Rome in 869, while Methodius continued the mission until his death in 885. Their disciples later expanded their work throughout the Slavic lands, turning the names of Cyril and Methodius into symbols of literacy, culture, and spiritual unity.
The day is also linked to a number of folk traditions and beliefs. According to popular customs, rain on May 11 is considered a sign of a rainy summer and a rich mushroom season, while fog predicts several warm and clear days ahead. Thunder on the holiday is believed to foretell a hot and dry summer.
Folk tradition advises against starting new projects before old tasks are completed. Unmarried women were once warned not to sweep floors or throw out garbage on this day because it was believed they could “sweep away their luck.” Weddings were also traditionally avoided, as such marriages were thought unlikely to last.
At the same time, the feast is regarded as especially important for students, teachers, and scholars. Many believers visit churches to light candles and pray to Cyril and Methodius for wisdom, success in learning, and spiritual guidance.
The Church also honors Saint Simeon Divnogorets on May 11. Simeon lived near Antioch and became known for his years of strict fasting, prayer, and isolation. Seeking solitude, he withdrew to the so-called Divna Mountain, where he devoted himself to studying the Scriptures and guiding monks and pilgrims. His life became associated with the Gospel words: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds.” Saint Simeon died in the year 590.