Slovakia FDC on "1150th Anniversary of the Arrival of St. Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia - Joint Issue with Czech Republic, Vatican and Bulgaria"

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Slovakia

1150th Anniversary of the Arrival of St. Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia - Joint Issue with Czech Republic, Vatican and Bulgaria

Date of Issue : 12 June 2013

One of the greatest sights of the lower basilica is the fresco “Personal judgement of Saint Cyril” from the 9th century, which became the theme of the stamp. Saints Cyril and Methodius kneel before Christ Pantocrator, whereas Archangel Michael is standing together with Saint Andrew behind Saint Cyril (on the left) and Archangel Gabriel is standing together with Saint Clement behind Saint Methodius (on the right).

The motif of FDC imprint is another fresco of San Clement Basilica in Rome, named “Christ’s descend into limbo” from the 9th century with half of the figure of a monk with a book in his hand. It is assumed that it is Saint Cyril’s portrait made by a Byzantine painter, because the exposure of the fresco is identical with the report from the Life of Constantine that he was buried "on the right side of the altar in Saint Clement Temple". Finally, the FDC cancellation motif is orant/bishop with a cross on the neck, located on the reverse of Great Moravian ending from the grave no. 100 situated near the church no. II at hillfort “Valy” near Mikulčice.