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Gorazd OhridskiyThe first Slavic-Slovak archbishop
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- The First Slavic Archbishop
- Crisis in the Moravian Church
- Exile and Literary Destruction
- Arrival in Bulgaria
- Legacy
The First Slavic Archbishop
Gorazd: A Slovak Disciple of MethodiusGorazd, the first Slavic archbishop, was a Slovak disciple of Methodius, the creator of the Slavic alphabet. He served as the archbishop of Great Moravia, a principality in Central Europe that existed from the 9th to 10th centuries.
Crisis in the Moravian Church
In 885-886, during the reign of Prince Svatopluk I, a crisis erupted within the Moravian Church. Archbishop Gorazd came into conflict with the Latin clergy led by Wiching, the bishop of Nitra, who had been excommunicated by St. Methodius. With the support of the Pope, Wiching expelled Gorazd from his diocese along with 200 priests and installed himself as archbishop.
Exile and Literary Destruction
Gorazd refused to recognize Wiching's authority as Methodius's successor. As a result, Slavic literature was destroyed, and Latin became the language of divine worship in Moravia. Gorazd and his followers, including Clement of Ohrid, fled to Bulgaria.
Arrival in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, the Slavic scholars brought their literary works with them and established centers of learning in Pliska, Ohrid, and Preslav. From there, their teachings spread throughout Kievan Rus and beyond.
Legacy
Gorazd played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting Slavic culture. His teachings laid the foundation for the development of Slavic literature and Christianity in Eastern Europe. The Orthodox Church venerates him as a saint, and his feast day is celebrated on July 27 (August 9) as part of the Council of Bulgarian Enlighteners.
