Exhibition Timed to the International Mother Language Day

The Gospel translation into the Belarusian language made by Michael Mickiewicz, Yakub Kolas’ younger brother, is to be presented on February 21.

His relative, Maria Mickiewicz, will read out excerpts from the unique manuscript and donate some rare editions to the library.

Only one day the unique manuscript (four sections), which is kept by Maria Mickiewicz, Yakub Kolas’ granddaughter, will be on display. With her consent, Michael Mickiewicz’s Belarusian Gospel has been digitized and is available to readers of the library.

Mikhas Mickiewicz (1897–1991, creative pseudonym Anton Galina) is a figure of Belarusian culture, writer, teacher, essayist and translator. He was born in the family of Michael and Anna Mickiewicz, village Nikolaevschina, Stolbtsy District. Like his brother, Yakub Kolas, he attended Nesvizh teacher's seminary, then worked in public education taking care of the development of Belarusian schools. Mikhas Mickiewicz is the author of journalistic articles and fiction about self-determination of the Belarusians and the Belarusian language issue. He also compiled a dozen primers and books about the Scout movement for children.

Though Michael Mickiewicz spent most his life in different countries, the Russian Empire, Poland, Germany, the United States, his heart always remained in Belarus. In 1960, while living in the United States, he made a translation of the Gospel from the Church Slavic into the Belarusian language. Only the first two Gospels, of Matthew and Mark, appeared in print. Full translation was not published.

During the event, Maria Mickiewicz will donate to the library some rare editions of Michael Mickiewicz. The event guests will be able to get acquainted with the legacy of our glorious compatriot, who made so much for the preservation and restoration of the mother tongue.

The event starts at 12.00, the Book Museum (347).

For more info: (+375 17) 293 27 22.

Material provided by the Bibliology Research Department.

Read more: Unique Manuscript by Mikhail Mickiewicz, Brother of Yakub Kolas