Opinions & Interviews

“The Belarusian Written Language Day celebrates the best literary works from every region of Belarus. This year the national book industry is not reducing the output. On the contrary, last year we had over 11,000 book titles and over 35 million copies published in the country. In H1 2013 we already had 5,960 titles with over 15 million copies,” Lilia Ananich noted.

The two-volume Barkulabovo Chronicle was unveiled on 27 August. It will be officially presented in Bykhov during the Belarusian Written Language Day. The first volume is a facsimile edition, while the second one is a result of research by Belarusian scholars. Some 100 copies of the facsimile edition and 1,000 copies of the scientific book will be published. The chronicle will be produced by the publishing house “Petrus Brovka Belarusian Encyclopedia”. Negotiations with the Russian side are currently underway to increase the number of copies of the facsimile edition. “It is the first time that such thorough two-volume editions have been put on display. Belarusians should have a book which reflects the entire period of our country’s history and demonstrates how deep the roots of the Belarusian statehood, language and culture are,” Lilia Ananich remarked.

The whole country is gearing up for the 20th edition of the Belarusian Written Language Day. The national scientific and educational expedition Road to Sacred Places will set off on 28 August. The expedition with the Holy Light from the Holy Sepulcher Church will follow the route Minsk - Holy Field (near the village of Zagorye, Baranovichi District, Brest Oblast) - Stolovichy (Baranovichi District, Brest Oblast) - Stolbtsy, Mikhanovichi (Minsk Oblast) - Krugloye, Dribin (Mogilev Oblast) - Ryasna (Dribin District) - Chausy, Gamarnya and Barkolabovo (Bykhov District, Mogilev Oblast). Taking part in the expedition will be scholars, cultural workers and artists. On 1 September the expedition will arrive at Bykhov where celebrations will take place on 31 August and 1 September.

The highlight of the festivities will be a ceremony to unveil the sculptural composition titled “Barkulabovo Chronicle” which will embody the main symbols of Bykhov’s spiritual and cultural life: the unique Barkulabovo Chronicle and the Icon of the Mother of God of Barkulabovo.