Czechs mark Ss Cyril and Methodius anniversary

The Czech Republic marks the 1150th anniversary of the arrival of Christian missionaries Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia on Friday, a public holiday. Thousands of people attended a Catholic mass at Velehrad, the capitol of the erstwhile Moravian empire. The mass, celebrated by Czech and foreign Catholic dignitaries, was also attended by Czech President Miloš Zeman. In a message marking the occasion, Pope Francis asked Czechs to appreciate their Christian roots and build a society of tolerance and solidarity.

Around 750 city and town halls in Moravia hoisted the Moravian flag on Friday to mark the anniversary. On Thursday, the celebrations started with a charity concert in Velehrad by the Zlín philharmonic orchestra and a number of other performers.

Author: Jan Richter