by Nina Achmatova

In the last few years, the commemoration of the inventors of the Cyrillic alphabet has drawn rulers’ attention, including those of Ukraine and Belarus. Sumptuous ceremonies by the Orthodox Church and government’s involvement have led some to see the celebration as embodying the ills of the country.

Moscow (AsiaNews) –Moscow was clogged with huge traffic jams yesterday because of Alphabet Day, causing many workers on their way to work to complain. A one of a kind event, the festivity was established in 1991 to honour Cyril and Methodius, 9th century Orthodox saints who devised the Cyrillic alphabet, and celebrate Slavic writing and culture. Its growing importance also marks the growing symbiotic relationship between the Russian state and the Russian Orthodox Church

The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I came to Moscow for the occasion, in a sign of closer ties between the two Patriarchates. He and Kirill co-celebrated the liturgy at Saint Saviour Cathedral.

A throng of 40,000 people, children, students and parents, descended on central Moscow, waving Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian flags, sporting banners reading, "Think About Russia's Future."

But not everyone saw yesterday’s event in a positive light; for some, it is the symbol of the ills that trouble the country.

“Such sumptuous celebrations fix the image problems,” said Alexei Mukhin, an analyst with the Centre for Political Information, “but the fact that they disrupt the work of public transportation and increase state spending is absolutely ignored.”

The feast day of Cyril and Methodius has never been so lavishly celebrated in the recent past. Roman Lunkin, director of the Centre of Religion and Law, said the church has pushed the state to increase the role of the holiday.

“Shortly after his election [in January 2009], Kirill announced that it would become a national holiday instead of a local one. Recently it has been said that the holiday should be celebrated abroad, too," Lunkin said.

Prime Minister Putin has always said that Russian civilisation should be revived, and the church can play a significant role in this. However, Patriarch Kirill recently dismissed allegations that he wants the Russian Orthodox Church recognised as “state Church”.

“The Church is separated from the state,” he told To Vima, a Greek newspaper, “but not from the people.” In his view, for top officials to turn to the Orthodox religion is not "a political step" but a deliberate move in search of "God's help and leadership".

Whatever the case, religion and politics are increasingly crossing paths in Russian public life.

The day dedicated to the monks who secure the evangelisation of Russia not only gave the government an opportunity to show off its social and economic achievements, it also gave Kirill an opportunity to welcome the Ecumenical Patriarch and repay him for the hospitality he received whilst visiting Turkey.

Bartholomew arrived in Moscow on Saturday on an official visit until 31 May. Given the relative long duration of his visit to Russia, Bartholomew appears set on deepening the dialogue with his Muscovite host.

• russia
• moscow
• cyril
• methodius
• symbiotic
• relationship
• kirill
• ecumenical
• patriarch
• bartholomew
• putin
• saint
• saviour
• cathedral