Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to present, interpret, and apply the findings of a quantitative study focused on the perception of Cyril and Methodius’ significance among Slovaks living abroad. This topic holds considerable potential for examining cultural identity and national consciousness within diasporic communities. The research was conducted between November 2023 and January 2024 and included 630 respondents: 59.5% women (N = 375) and 40.5% men (N = 255). The study provides valuable insights into how historical figures such as Saints Cyril and Methodius are perceived and how their legacy resonates among Slovaks living outside their homeland. The findings revealed notable gender differences in the perception of Cyril and Methodius. Moreover, the results indicated significant generational disparities among foreign Slovaks, with older generations demonstrating a stronger connection to religious traditions. The study also highlighted regional differences, as respondents from rural areas with fewer than 1,000 residents exhibited distinct perspectives compared to those residing in large cities. The discussion section contextualizes these findings within broader interdisciplinary frameworks, emphasizing the practical implications of the acquired knowledge. The study seeks to offer concrete recommendations for strengthening connections to national heritage, particularly among foreign Slovaks. It also highlights the potential divergence in perceptions of Cyril and Methodius between Slovaks abroad and those residing in Slovakia.

Author: Maturkanič, Patrik – Medzihorský, Štefan – Lepeška, Jan – Akimjak, Amantius – Heiser, František – Šuráb, Marian

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2025.18.2.174-187

Publication order reference:
Prof. ThDr. Patrik Maturkanič, PhD.; College of Applied Psychology, Akademická 409, 411 55, Terezín, Czech Republic; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ORCID ID: 0000-0002-1087-3847, WOS Researcher ID: AGV-3498-2022, SCOPUS Author ID: 57226468364
PhDr. Mgr. Štefan Medzihorský; College of Applied Psychology, Akademická 409, 411 55, Terezín, Czech Republic; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; WOS Researcher ID: KDB-4502-2024
PhDr. Jan Lepeška, Ph.D.; College of Applied Psychology, Akademická 409, 411 55, Terezín, Czech Republic; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Prof. ThDr. PhDr. Amantius Akimjak, PhD.; Catholic University in Ružomberok, Faculty of Theology, Spišská Kapitula 12, 053 04 Spišské Podhradie, Slovakia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1295-3274, WOS Researcher ID: ABZ-9600-2022; SCOPUS Author ID: 57210562662
Doc. PaedDr. František Heiser, PhD.; Catholic University in Ruzžomberok, Faculty of Education, Hrabovská cesta 1, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ORCID ID: 0009-0005-3726-5998, SCOPUS Author ID: 57222511271
Prof. ThDr. Marian Šuráb, PhD.; Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Roman Catholic Theology of Cyril and Methodius, Kapitulská 26, 814 58 Bratislava, Slovakia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4977-1386, WOS Researcher ID: MFE-9393-2025, SCOPUS Author ID: 58857361000

Source: Konštantínove listy, 2025, vol.: 18, issue: 2, pages: 174-187 (PDF file)

Keywords: CYRIL AND METHODIUS, SLAVIC MISSIONARIES, TRADITION, FOREIGN SLOVAKS, QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Language: ENGLISH

Recommended Citation:
Maturkanič, Patrik – Medzihorský, Štefan – Lepeška, Jan – Akimjak, Amantius – Heiser, František – Šuráb, Marian. 2025. Perceptions of Cyril and Methodius among Foreign Slovaks. In Konštantínove listy [Constantine’s Letters] 18/2, 174-187.