Rasi: Cyril and Methodius' Legacy More Relevant than Ever Today

Bratislava, 5 July (TASR) - At a time when the world is once again gripped by conflicts, wars are claiming innocent victims and tensions are escalating faster than peace, the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius is more relevant than ever," House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) said in an address he delivered during the national celebrations at Devin Castle in Bratislava, marking the arrival of Saints Cyril and Methodius on the territory of modern-day Slovakia in the 9th century. Rasi stressed that the missionaries' message of greater understanding, less hatred and dialogue instead of conflict remains of vital importance. The House chair recalled that Devin is one of the symbolic beginnings of our history. It also serves as a reminder that the Slovak story didn't begin yesterday, nor one or two generations ago. "It is a story that has been shaped for more than a thousand years: in faith, hard work, folk culture, merciless wars, the fight for our identity, for our language, and in the ability of our ancestors to stand firm in that struggle time again and again," stated Rasi. Saints Cyril and Methodius brought our ancestors writing, education and the word of God in a language understandable to them," said Rasi. "They also gave us understanding - the ability to speak, to listen, to understand each other. Understanding is the foundation of culture. Understanding is the basis of community and is also the basis of peace," he said. According to Rasi, understanding isn't a weakness, but a strength. "The ability to see the world through the eyes of others, the ability to seek common solutions even where none seem to exist. Understanding is what has kept us together as a nation for centuries - across regions, generations, people with different opinions. It has enabled us to survive wars, crises, and divisions. And just as Saints Cyril and Methodius once taught the Slavs to speak one language, today it's up to us to learn to speak the language of understanding. Not only in Slovakia, but also in Europe and the world," he said. Rasi as the House Chair perceives that parliament is a place of different views, disputes and often tension. But at the same time, he said it should be a place where, despite differences, the consciousness of serving the public isn't lost. "Saints Cyril and Methodius teach us that truly great works are not created for the applause of a single moment. They are created because someone thinks beyond today. Their mission has survived centuries because it was built on solid foundations - on faith, education, language, culture and understanding," Rasi noted in his speech. ko