Today, on January 20, High Masses in honor of Skaryna were held in Vilnius, Prague, Warsaw, Padua, Minsk, and Polatsk, – places connected with Skaryna. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the Mass in a cathedral in Vilnius.
Tsikhanouskaya made a comment on her participation:
“This Mass is held in honor of Francysk Skaryna, our educator, and the beginning of book printing in Belarus. Here, in Vilnius, 500 years ago he founded a printing house and published a book in the Old Belarusian language. But I want to note: we do not just honor Skaryna – we continue his work.
Together with the Belarussian Council of Culture and National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), we decided to declare 2022 the year of Skaryna.
Skaryna is a person who undeniably unites Belarusians. Moreover, this is a person who unites us with the countries of Europe, our neighbors, and shows that we have a rich common history.
Skaryna is respected not only in Belarus and Lithuania, but also in Poland, the Czech Republic and Italy – all over Europe. Skaryna is revered by Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants. Belarusians appreciate it regardless of their political views.
This year also marks the 140th anniversary of the birth of Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas. Together with the Belarussian Council of Culture and NAM, we call on everyone to join cultural events in their honor”.
