Throughout a total of five rounds and running until the beginning of July, we will be talking about the lives and activities of the famous Slavic missionaries Cyril and Methodius, who make up one of the most famous chapters in our country’s history. Learn about the actions of the Thessaloniki brothers on the then Great Moravia, their contribution on language, culture, literature and belief system. We will talk about the mission to create a national identity and references to the saintly pair in current times. We will also present the city of Nitra, which became the cradle of Cyril and Methodius traditions on our lands which this year celebrates its 1150th anniversary of the arrival of these two early trend setters on the land of today’s Slovakia.
After every round a competition question awaits, and the lucky winner that is drawn can expect some of the amazing prizes we have prepared - whether it’s a book, some traditional folklore handcrafts, or a CD. For the overall winner however comes a spectacular main prize: Thanks to our sponsors you have the chance win a 3 night stay for two in the Mikado hotel in Nitra. The prize includes breakfasts and dinners, along with a wellness and cultural programme
Moreover, Skaritz Hotel and Residence is also on the cards, offering a three night stay in a luxury apartment with romantic fire place for two. Breakfast and time in the sauna are also available for the lucky winner. This exclusive stay would normally cost you €450, but if you listen carefully and answer the question correctly it could be yours for absolutely nothing with RSI.
There are two things you should know however: This competition is only open to people who live outside of Slovakia, and the winner must arrange their own travel to collect and enjoy their prize. So, get your pen and paper ready, and be in the draw!
Click on the audio file below and listen for the answer to our competition question:
When does the Cyril and Methodius pilgrimage start?
Your answers must be in before the 30th of jUNE, and you can send them to
Radio Slovakia International
English Section
Mýtna 1
P.O. BOX 55
Bratislava 817 55
Slovakia
or via our e-mail address, which is: englishsection@slovakradio.sk
Cyril-and-Methodius-Competition-Round-5 Máte problém s prehrávaním? Nahláste nám chybu v prehrávači.
Welcome to the fifth round of our competition in which we will talk about Nitra -the town that had the honour to host St. Cyril and Methodius during their mission in then Great Moravia. Listen carefully as this is your last chance to answer the competition question and win one the prizes.
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The town of Nitra is the oldest urban settlement unit in Slovakia and it has always been a city of extraordinary historic importance. For example, Nitra witnessed the reign of famous Great Moravian monarchs Pribina, Rastislav and Svatopluk and it also became home to the oldest Slavic bishporic. According to bishop Viliam Jaudany, there are many names you can call Nitra.
"The ancient, venerable, mother of all Slovak towns, the cradle of Christianity, culture, Slovak Bethlehem or the City of Cyril and Methodius.... all the attributes emerge from an eligible historic nature. 1150 years ago when the two brothers arrived the city came to life even more in terms of culture, education and Christianity. Thanks to all their activities the city blossomed like a flower.”
The most dominant and beautiful part of the city is the castle and its surroundings that once used to be the largest in the country. Even today, the castle plays an important role in lives of Nitra inhabitants. They go there for Sunday walks or even plan their weddings there. The place owes its magic to the history that is still present via many precious historical and religious monuments. They all recall the connection of Nitra with Christianity. One of the most guarded treasures hides in the cathedral of St. Emmeram which is right next to the castle. Nitra diocese spokesman Miroslav Lyko will unveil its secret for you.
"Its is a relic, a piece of collarbone of St. Cyril. This bone is usually kept in the Cathedral in beautifully decorated box. However, it's been travelling across the country for several months now. On the 5th of July it will find its way back home to Nitra. And during the solemn liturgy led by lead papal legate - Slovenian Cardinal Franc Rode it will be exposed for people to admire it in the cathedral again."
The presence of the Cyril and Methodius can be felt wherever you move. The two brothers are the central theme of many figural compositions and paintings. The Nitra chronicler Ludmila Synakova will tell you more about te one that stands above the rest, famous fresco which has been recently reconstructed.:
"In the picture, St. Cyril is baptizing with his right hand. In his left hand, he holds a stick that has a cross-spoke at its end. His brother Methodius stands right next to him dressed in bishop's robes, preaching at Slavic people who are listening carefully to his words: " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God“
On your way up to Nitra castle you will almost bump into the brothers too. In order to honour them the city has built a large statue of the two. Director of Nitra museum Anton Števko:
"This is a two-figure sculpture of Cyril and Methodius put in a little different position.
They're not dressed as bishops with a double cross in their hands. They're holding archaeological artefacts that are associated with their arrival to Nitra, namely a book with the corpus of Christ, and “pixidu” that used be a Roman jewellery box. "
If you decide to take a walk in the historical centre of Nitra this year you won’t see just a big part of Slovak history but also 150 little blue flags that remind people of how special this year is. The town is celebrating through the whole year, the official part of the celebrations, however, starts with the Cyril and Methodius National pilgrimage on Friday 5th July.
The pilgrimage will kick off a three day chain of cultural events that will be presented to you in our programme. So if you don’t have a chance to come and celebrate with Nitra, make sure you don’t miss our reports that will take to you there.
And now it’s the time for the question.
When does the Cyril and Methodius pilgrimage start?
Your answers must be in before the 30th of May, and you can send them to
Radio Slovakia International
English Section
Mýtna 1
P.O. BOX 55
Bratislava 817 55
Slovakia
or via our e-mail address, which is: englishsection@slovakradio.sk
