Abstract: The study examines the analysis of sustainable values in the Old Church Slavonic work Life of Constantine-Cyril from the perspective of ethics and cultural anthropology. Its aim is to identify and interpret the key value categories present in the text and to highlight their significance in both historical and contemporary contexts. Particular attention is paid to four fundamental values – truth, salvation, education, and law – which are presented through the figure of Constantine-Cyril as the integral foundation of his spiritual and intellectual profile. Methodologically, the study is based on a textual analysis of the source, a comparison with the Byzantine patristic tradition, and an interpretation of the concepts in their ethical meaning. The results demonstrate that these values do not merely form part of a historical narrative but constitute a coherent ethical system that unites knowledge with a virtuous life and the spiritual transformation of the human person. Special emphasis is placed on the understanding of philosophy as a way of life leading to the knowledge of God and to the realization of the ideal of the “image and likeness.” The study further shows that the Cyrillo-Methodian tradition conveys a model of cultural and spiritual identity grounded in the interconnection of faith, education, and ethical order. The identified values may therefore be interpreted as timeless and sustainable principles applicable to contemporary discussions on cultural identity, ethics, and intercultural dialogue. The significance of the Old Slavonic literary tradition in shaping ethical and cultural concepts remains indispensable even in today’s globalizing society, where sustainable values are increasingly emphasized.

Author: Zozuľaková, Viera

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2026.19.1.11-19

Publication order reference: Mgr. Viera Zozuľaková, PhD.; Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Organization and Management, Department of Applied Social Sciences, Zabrze, Poland; Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Faculty of Arts, Department of Philosophy and Political Sciences, Hodžova 1, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ORCID ID: 0000-0001-7035-8743, WOS Researcher ID: AAB-5534-2020, SCOPUS Author ID: 57191340873

Source: Konštantínove listy, 2026, vol.: 19, issue: 1, pages: 11-19 (PDF file)

Keywords: CONSTANTINE-CYRIL, METHODIUS, BYZANTINE EMPIRE, GREAT MORAVIA, VALUES, SLAVIC SCRIPT, SLAVIC LITERATURE

Language: ENGLISH

Recommended Citation:
Zozuľaková, Viera. 2026. Sustainable Values in the Work Life of Constantine-Cyril. In Konštantínove listy [Constantine’s Letters] 19/1, 11-19.