The Secret of Faith or Language in the Shackles of Politics

The introductory part of the article deals with discussing and exploring the term “mystery of faith” from a theological point of view. The lexicographic definition of the word “mystery” is followed by a description of the Christianization processes in the history of Europe and the Balkans. In the second part of the article, some wellknown and lesserknown facts related to the linguistic and confessional issue are discussed, which in connection with the terms “mystery of faith” and “mystery” to a certain degree, shaped the historical events in Slovakia and Bulgaria. The circumstances of the adoption of Christianity in the territory of both countries are mentioned, with a special emphasis on the interpretation of the Great Moravian mission and the perception of the tradition of Cyril and Methodius. The author points out cases where the confessional orientation and the linguistic question have become an instrument of ideology in the hands of secular or ecclesiastical power.The introductory part of the article deals with discussing and exploring the term “mystery of faith” from a theological point of view. The lexicographic definition of the word “mystery” is followed by a description of the Christianization processes in the history of Europe and the Balkans. In the second part of the article, some well-known and lesser-known facts related to the linguistic and confessional issue are discussed, which in connection with the terms “mystery of faith” and “mystery” to a certain degree, shaped the historical events in Slovakia and Bulgaria. The circumstances of the adoption of Christianity in the territory of both countries are mentioned, with a special emphasis on the interpretation of the Great Moravian mission and the perception of the tradition of Cyril and Methodius. The author points out cases where the confessional orientation and the linguistic question have become an instrument of ideology in the hands of secular or ecclesiastical power.