The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences marked May 24 – the Day of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius, of the Bulgarian alphabet, education and culture and of the Slavonic literature – with a ceremonial meeting held today in the “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall. The Vice-President of BAS, Prof. Emmanuel Moutafov, opened the celebration. The creation of a writing system has always been perceived as a semi-divine act, and in the case of Slavonic writing, it places the Slavs alongside the great powers of the Middle Ages, said Prof. Moutafov. He noted that the work of Cyril and Methodius was today a symbol not only of Slavic culture but also of a united Europe.
May 24 is not only a celebration of the alphabet but also a celebration of the pursuit of enlightenment and science which today, more than ever, are of paramount importance for the development of humanity, noted Prof. Shterionov, Vice-President of BAS, in his address to the scientists and guests at the celebration. In a world of dynamic change, technological challenges, and global trials, it is science that provides solutions, creates prospects, and builds the future. In this world, BAS has a special mission: to be a guardian of spirituality, a driving force behind scientific development, and an active participant in contemporary processes, the Vice-President added.
BAS is an institution that has made an exceptional contribution to the development of Bulgarian statehood, education, science, and culture. For more than 150 years, it has upheld the mission of preserving and developing Bulgaria’s scientific potential, establishing the authority of Bulgarian science in Europe and the world, and serving as a spiritual pillar of our national development, noted Deputy Minister of Education and Science Acad. Nikolay Vitanov.
Congratulatory messages on the occasion of the holiday were received from National Assembly Chairwoman Mihaela Dotsova, Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria Yordanka Chobanova, ministries, universities, and others.
During the ceremonial meeting, Prof. Julian Revalski, Member of BAS (President of the Academy 2016–2024) was awarded a diploma by the General Assembly of BAS for an “Honorary Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.” The Chairman of the General Assembly, Prof. Vassil Kirov, announced the decision to confer the title on Academician Julian Revalski. He received the honor for his exceptional contribution to the development and affirming of the Academy as a leading national center of expertise for scientific consultation on issues of strategic importance to the state, for his active work in the field of knowledge transfer and the strengthening of ties between BAS and the education system, for his efforts to improve and modernize the Academy’s scientific infrastructure as well as for the financial stability and sustainable development of BAS, and for strengthening its international presence and authority.
This year marks the 1,110th anniversary of the Dormition of St. Clement of Ohrid. Prof. Iliya Iliev from the Institute for Historical Studies at BAS delivered an academic lecture on the topic “St. Clement of Ohrid, the First Teacher of Bulgaria.” To mark the occasion, the Cyrillo-Methodian Research Center of BAS presented the exhibition “St. Clement the Enlightener” in the foyer of the Academy.
On May 24, at 10:30 a.m., scientists from the Academy will join the parade marking the holiday, starting from the building of BAS (15 November Street, No. 1).
