Saint Naum was a 9th-century missionary and writer from the First Bulgarian Empire. As a disciple of Cyril and Methodius, he played a vital role in spreading Christianity and literacy among Slavic populations. He is recognized as one of the Seven Apostles of the Bulgarian Empire and was a co-creator of the Glagolitic script. After serving in Great Moravia and being ordained a priest in Rome, he focused his efforts on establishing educational centers to support the Slavic liturgical tradition.
Life and work
Born around 830 in Moesia, Naum joined the mission to Great Moravia in 863. Following his ordination in Rome during the late 860s, he contributed to the development of the Glagolitic alphabet. He helped establish the Pliska Literary School and later worked at the Ohrid Literary School. In 905, he founded a monastery near Lake Ohrid, where he remained until his death in 910.
Veneration
As the first native Bulgarian saint, Naum is highly regarded in various Christian traditions, including Orthodox and Catholic. He is often called a wonderworker or thaumaturge. His memory is honored in Ohrid and on Mount Athos. While his feast day is traditionally observed on December 23, the date has also been moved to June 20.