Old Church Slavonic

Old Church Slavonic is an early Slavic language used in the 9th century, primarily for religious texts. It was developed by the Saints Cyril and Methodius to translate the Bible and liturgical works for the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe. Its roots are in the dialects of the Slavic tribes and it became the first written Slavic language, influencing later Slavic languages. Old Church Slavonic played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and literacy among Slavic nations, forming the basis for the liturgical language in many Orthodox Christian traditions.