Belarusians of the world ask Church to canonize Skaryna


Association of the Belarusians of the World “Batskaushchyna” has announced the collection of signatures for the beatification of Francysk Skaryna.

Activists offer to send letters with signatures to the rector of the Minsk church of Saints Symon and Alena, the priest-canon Uladzislau Zavalniuk.

Document. A sample letter to the priest Zavalniuk

“In addition to religious significance, the presence of own saints unites the nation, gives a sense of belonging to a single community. And our history has enough figures that at one time had a strong influence on the spiritual development of the Belarusian people, who are worthy and after their death serve the unity of the Belarusians. It is, for example, Euphrosyne of Polatsk, holy for all, regardless of belonging to a particular religious denomination. What about Francysk Skaryna? Is he not worthy of being among the saints?” the organizers asked.

The initiative group on canonization of Francysk Skaryna emerged on the initiative of Professor Adam Maldzis as far back as 2015. Maldis argues that Skaryna as a saint should belong to the Orthodox, the Catholics and the Uniates.

Last year, our country celebrated the 500th anniversary of the publication of the first printed Bible in Belarusian, which was prepared by Francysk Skaryna. Until now, scientists have been unsure about the confessional affiliation of the first printer. There is an opinion that he could be a Protestant.

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