August 25, 2008
Cyril and Methodius “Apostles of the Slavs” Inventors of the Alphabet
The main credit for the consolidation of Christianity in Bulgaria goes to the brothers St. Cyril and Methodius. They must have been of Bulgarian origin – it is hardly accidental that the Byzantine Emperor Michael III told them “You are Thessalonians and all Thessalonians speak pure Slavonic”. In 863 the brothers were entrusted with a mission to Moravia, for which they invented a Slavonic alphabet – the Glagolitik - and translated a number of liturgical books.
Western sources claim that on their way to Moravia Cyril and Methodius passed through Bulgaria, where they met the Bulgarian prince. I all likelihood, this is true. Yet it took thirteen years and many trials and tribulations before their disciples were welcomed warmly in Bulgaria (886 – 887) by the prince himself.
The Thessalonians brothers and their disciples, who worked in Bulgaria, have been canonized as the seven Apostles of Bulgaria or the Holy Heptarithmoi – Cyril, Methodius, Clement, nahum, Sava, Gorazd and Angelarius. In honour of their deed Bulgaria established a decoration in three classes in 1950. It was intended for Bulgarian and foreign nationals, institutes and organizations for their activities in the field of science, education and culture, as well as for outstanding contributions for the education of the people of Bulgaria. For more information, please visit our web site:
http://www.shopbulgaria.com/communist-period-1948-1989-5007/all/page/7.html

This grenade is very rare to find and is often referred to as “the stick grenade” or “the potato masher”. It consists of 3 parts and was to be activated by unscrewing the bottom cap.