The city of Snina in eastern Slovakia now has a new cathedral, built in the traditional Carpathian Rusin style, dedicated to Holy and Right-Believing Prince Rastislav of Great Moravia.
This news tickles me pink for a variety of reasons. Firstly and most importantly, any new Orthodox cathedral in Slovakia is a welcome sign that Rusin Orthodoxy is healthy and growing in its own homeland. I hope that more and more Slovaks and Rusins can come to discover the beauty of the elder faith here! Secondly, as a Moravian Ashkenaz by ethnicity and a convert to Orthodox Christianity myself, I’ve got a good filial reason to be glad that the new cathedral has been consecrated to recently-sainted Prince Rastislav. The ties that bind all the peoples of the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius together in bonds of brotherly love are to be encouraged and deepened – and I have political as well as religious reasons for desiring this. Thirdly, the use of traditional architectural principles in the structure of the building – apart from the roof and tower, entirely without nails – serves the purpose of harmony and shared beauty with the churches in surrounding villages. It’s consistent with an urbanism of proportion, which exists in continuity with, rather than at war with, the surrounding countryside.
May the prayer of Vladyka Rastislav be fulfilled, that the cathedral may never be empty! Holy and Right-Believing Prince Rastislav of Velka Moravá, pray to God for us sinners!
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