Today Belarus marks Day of Slavic Writing and Culture. On 24 May, the Orthodox Church honours the brothers Cyril and Methodius – the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet. By creating a new alphabet, the legendary enlighteners and preachers of the 9th century brought together numerous Slavic peoples and united their history and culture. Annually Minsk hosts the Cyril and Methodius Readings. It is a unique venue for discussing intercultural and inter-confessional dialogue. Special meetings are organized in the country's educational institutions, museums, and libraries. In Orthodox churches, traditionally divine services are held.