Magazine
“CULTURE, NATION”,
Issue 24, December 2019
Editorial
Piotra Murzionak: On the half-way to K. Kalinouski
(web-magazine “Culture. Nation”, issue 24, December 2019, p.5-17, www.sakavik.net)
Reading the articles about the re-burial of rebels (1863-1864) in Vilnja on November 22, 2019, and directly observing the event anyone could be note without glasses the presence of many Belarusians with white-red-white flags during the ceremony. Naturally, the emotionally all Belarusians who got there (and those who were not able to come) were filled with emotion over the edge. Indeed, the figure of K. Kalinouski and facts, both real and created myths, work for the benefit of the Belarusian national idea.
Demonstration of Belarusian presence in this event, without that from Lithuanian or Polish sides (not visible externally but only externally), was obviously recorded. The ceremony made it clear the importance of event organized by Lithuanian and Polish governments to co-memorate the heroes fighting for the Commonwealth freedom, and from the other side, it indicated that the Belarusian nation is only born politically. It is born in that sense as national-democratic forces want to see it.
Lacking a political freedom at home, the demonstration of the Belarusian presence in Vilnja was important for Belarusians, firstly, to lift the spirit and the belief that the road to true freedom can be attained, and secondly, for Europe, which could see that the Belarusians are and were part of Europe itself (at the end of the XVI century, 77% of the territory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania were Belarusian lands).
It is not the fault of the Belarusian people that officials dissociate themselves from K.Kalinouski figure. Belarusian government does it with only one main reason – the vision of the head of the state is directed to the Soviet past, and to the history, which he studied and which he strongly believes. It is the fact that all the events in the country today depends on one person, no one doubts.
Indeed, in what way Mr. Lukashenko, a historian by education, may abandon the dogma that Kalinouski is Polish, Catholic, and urged Muscovites to drive? The whole 2019, there are secret negotiations and trading for in-depth integration of Belarus and Russia. It is soon expected the negotiations with two alternately successors, Putin and Medvedev, but here K. Kalinouski? Go to Vilnja? But what about oil? But what about gas? Milk, cheese, bacon …? Favorable dues on oil? A trade is not for a joke. National pride and sovereignty are sold for oil and gas?!
On the other hand, a nationalist bogey is used to tease the east “bear”. Deputy Prime Minister, I. Petryshkevich, who was yet sent to Vilnja for the funeral of the rebels declared that K. Kalinouski’ name can’t be used for political purposes; and at the same time, on December 7, 8 and 20, unauthorized demonstrations, organized by P. Sevjarynets were not stopped by officials and people were allowed to walk through the main streets of the city. It was not by chance – in Sochi, and St. Petersburg, Mr. Lukashenko still traded with Putin.
This pernicious for the country tactics is used by Lukashenka since long time. He sells the national future of Belarus for the stability of his power and, if necessary, he profiteth in its relations with Russia national forces which relentlessly cursing and suppressed by him and his assistants. Concessions to all national are very small and quite slow. The same I. Petryshkevich said in Vilnja, “… that the Kalinouski activities were linked to escalate the Belarusian national and cultural movement into the struggle for Belarusian statehood in the form of democracy”.
A similar example can be given in regard to T. Kascjushka. In 1997, when I was in Kosava, I read the text on a small monument, where in Russian was written: “In the house that stood on this spot, T. Kascjushka was born in 1746 – a prominent Polish politician ” (emphasis mine). Now on this place, T. Kascjushka state house-museum with farm buildings and a well was built with the assistance of the state. A large boulder was put in place with the following inscription in Belarusian (to some extent it characterizes the forced change of attitude of the state to the national heroes):
“1746.04.02-1817.15.10. Here, in Merachoushchyna, Andrew Thaddeus Bonaventure Kascjushka was born, the great son of the Belarusian land, who later became a national hero of Poland, the United States, and an honorary citizen of France. Grateful descendants.”
In 2018, a monument of T. Kascjushka was put in place at the expense of the Belarusians themselves.
Thus, it turns out that conscious Belarusians yet recall and honour K. Kalinouski not at home but in the ancient capital of the GDL, common historical heritage for Belarusians, Lithuanians, and Polish people. Belarusian authorities modestly, and perhaps even false, but made a step on the road to Kalinouski. And we can say about all Belarusians as well that they are on the half-road (or perhaps less) to its national self-identification, an identification “to be called as people “, as writes I. Khadarenka in her article in this issue.
Belarusians are now closer to Moscow than to Berlin and Warsaw on the way to the national identity! How is it difficult to see that Belarusians again are creeping quietly and tolerant into the eastern empire. Would it be possible to see that with an appropriate state national politics? Even in the case if we assume that Russia is not the enemy for us, what it is for Ukraine, our co-member of civilization. Have we a chance for a tolerant, neutral position in Europe?
Of course, the best outcome would be if the official elite made a reasonable, balanced decision of unconditional independence and national construction of a neutral state. However, you can count on very theoretically yet. As announced recently by the Russian minister, the negotiations between Belarus and Russia are actually about creating a new model of the state – “one economy, two states”. This is something completely new in the history of mankind.
A nation-state can’t be a part of the second nation-state. It is rather reminiscent of the colonial relationship, where a word “colony” is increasingly relevant to Belarus. The country under the corrupt leadership of the First President is now facing to be in the swamp. As opposite example, the people of Bougainville Island with a population of less than 180,000 in this month voted for independence from Papua New Guinea. These are the different trends. However, what chances are? Someone may be in agreement with the ideas of new movement “Fresh wind” initiated by U. Mackjevich, the main objective of which is the convening of the “national assembly” of Belarus. What else? Belarus has a few individual brightest leaders (M. Statkevich, D.Dashkevich, P.Sevjarynets), However, there are a very insufficient number of people behind them. To join the other national-democratic organizations in the greater force is no enough will yet. After signing of Vilnja agreement, under the auspices of the BDR (2012), nothing significant has happened to consolidate the Belarusian forces. The next call, without a specific project couldn’t result in some positive outcome (now someone with pride can only say that I was a subscriber of that agreement). This call was similar to the Communist Party calls on holidays, such as “catch up and overtake.” Maybe a little hard, but it’s true. Politically, such appeals have fit to a situation, but “a negativity” of most of them is in that they were not communicated to the people. There are many other similar calls, like “is about regime to collapse” or “only a few is remained”. Do not fool ourselves. The vast majority of people are listening to a promoter of Eurasian ideas Solovjov on the central Russian channels, watch Russian movies and listening to Russian pop music.
Quite opposite, Belarusian independent media are not coordinated so far. A very positive recent development is the union of bloggers who were finally able to connect in the writing of general statements about the threat of harmful integration of Belarus with Russia. The other positive moment (for a long time) was the union of the leaders from various Belarusian organizations in preparation for demonstration against integration with Russia in Minsk on December 20, 2019. A small national elite, in a ghetto conditions at home, is involved in ideological disputes, who is the more Christian, and if gay parades are necessary in the country? Feasibility (political or other) is ahead of democratic principles. A striking example of a hot debate is in the PEN-center. However, the violation of principles of democracy is markedly observed in the Belarusian diaspora. So, is this a national feature – act individually, no one to listen to, etc.? Perhaps this is the reason for the lack of results in attempts to consolidate.
So where is a solution? Revolution? It is unlikely that our people will sustain it. No matter how annoying to talk about it, the major changes in the life of Belarusian people occurred only with the external political circumstances (for example, the collapse of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union and the creation of the BNR \ BSSR and the Republic of Belarus, respectively). But subsequent events have always suggested that such changes are unstable and short-lived. People must mature. So again, as before, it is a necessity for all the existing movements and parties to work together in the enlightenment of the Belarusian people.
We have still to walk and walk to Kalinouski!
Articles
Iryna Khadarenka: Be considered human beings
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p.18-21, www.sakavik.net)
The author describes existing difficulties with the definition of a national idea. She states that a nation is not related to citizenship only, and the national idea is not a historical core of forming an ethnic group, not a set of bright emotional slogans and not a direction of the society’s development. This is a kind of mission, and, metaphorically saying, a local horizon, which every representative of the nation is able to see and to accept. As for Belarusians, they always aimed to be not worse than the others and to get equality at the international level. But it looks impossible without self-respect and in the conditions of exchange of sovereignty for petty personal privileges.
Jerzy Grzybowski: Ales Makhnouski (1902-1967)
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p. 22–37, www.sakavik.net)
Ales Makhnouski (1902-1967), Belarusian public figure and educator, belongs to the famous Belarusian national activists, who came from Latgale (Latvia). He graduated from Belarusian teacher’ courses in Dzvinsk in 1923 and worked as a teacher in several Belarusian schools in Latgale (1923-1934). In 1941-1944, he was the member of Belarusian National Committee in Latvia and worked as a school inspector. After WWII, he migrated to the USA where he was the member of the Rada BNR and an activist in Belarusian organizations.
Jakub Filipavich Rapetsky: My life and spiritual service (autobiography) (magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p. 38–45, www.sakavik.net)
This text was provided to magazine by Jurka Rapetski, the son of the author. It describes the life of Belarusian man, J. F. Rapetski (1908-1998) and his service as protestant pastor in various life circumstances, in Western Belarus (1924-1939), the BSSR (1939-1944), Germany (1944-1948), and then in Canada.
Jazep Kvach : Mother’ words (magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p. 46–67, www.sakavik.net)
The author provides the set of words (near 220) of local dialects collected in Sharkaushchyna and Glybokaje region (Bitebsk province of the Republic of Bekarus). He introduces not only the words and their interpretation, but also gives a context where they are used in everyday speech. These little icons written intentionally with grammatical errors were guided to bring the reader to the phonetics of the local language. The author dedicates this work to his mom.
Interview
Piotra Murzionak: Independence of Belarus and its value
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p. 68–77, www.sakavik.net)
This interview was given to Ales Kirkevich, a journalist of the public campaign “Budzma” on December 16, 2019. The questions were about the values and threats to country independence, its gourantors, approaches and impact factors of high importance to keep the sovereignty of Belarus.
Literature
Michas Kenka: Translation of poem “In Flanders Fields” into Belarusian
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p.77–82, www.sakavik.net)
Michas Kenka, new author of our magazine, presents his translation to Belarusian of famous poem “In Flanders Fields”, written by John McCrae. Reading of this poem translated into various languages occurred at Fort York in Toronto on November 9, 2019. Mikhas Kenka provided also the translation of excerpt from “Scenes in the Diet” written by Polish author Yuseph Kraszewski (Grodno, 1893).
Uladzimir Khakhlun: Human life support
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, November 2019, issue 24, p. 83–85, www.sakavik.net)
In this short assay, the author of 49, is trying to answer his own question “Who am I?” He concludes that the meaning of life includes a support of anyone, that is, to give a person the opportunity to be him(her)self, to live on the Earth with own will. The life means “… just to be who you are, today, here and now, and in this way giving joy to another – just to live”.
Gena Melnichuk: Flight of Sansara cycle around back of the head for a moment before bee awakening
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p. 86-89, www.sakavik.net)
In this fantastic stotytelling the author imagines that he lives 20 years later, in 2039. Every moment he is trying to be awaken he finds himself in various situations and spacetime while attempting to answer the meaning of his life and human life generally.
Gena Melnichuk: Visa for life or transit to Curacao (story in Belarusian and Russian)
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p. 90–100, www.sakavik.net)
History of homeland
Jazep Kvach: True stories (presented in the original language of narrators)
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p. 101-124, www.sakavik.net)
Short real stories about partisans, victims among Belarussians and Hebrews, and life of villagers before, during and after WWII collected by the author in Sharkaushyna region, Vitebsk province. This region is famous for its partisan fighting with occupants. The region suffered a lot during the German occupation with hundreds of people killed and burned alive in barns … (to be continued in the next 25th issue of the magazine, April-May 2020)
Igar Prakapovich: Varanetsky agricultural school
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p. 125–136, www.sakavik.net)
Varanetsky agricultural school was established thanks to inspiration and financial support by Prince Vladimir Drutski-Lyubetski – owner of Mankavichi and Kazlouschyna villages that in Postavy district, Vitebsk province. The school, which operated from 1909 to 1915, was situated on the hills between the lakes Varanets, Douza and Myadzelka river. In October 1914, there were 64 students at the school. The article describes the learning process, students’ life and history of the creation and existence of the building, which in our days is presented only in broken bricks and foundations.
Afanasjeva L.M., Janush A.A. Prakapovich I.M.: Unique hydro-technic complex “Mjadzelka-Varanets”
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p. 137-149, www.sakavik.net)
In the early middle ages, a water trade route that connected Polatsk, Vilnja and Navagrudak passed via Mjadzelka river. During four expeditions in 2018-2019 the students of Pastavy gymnasium made a description of the unique complex, designed and equipped tourist routes in the surrounding area of Lake Varanets, which includes objects of hydro-technic complex (residues of mill, canal, beaver area, Mjadzelka river, the remains of the former road).
Aniversaries
Siargei Paniznik: On the anniversary of G.M.Kirpa
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p.150-162, http://www.sakavik.net)
Galina Kirpa, novelist, translator and literary editor, the member of the National Union of Writers of Ukraine (1986). She was born on January 1, 1950. She was engaged a lot in the translation of Belarusian literature: V.Luksha, S.Grahouski, M.Tank, U.Karatkevich, K.Kamejsha, M.Maljauka, N. Mátsjásh, S. Paniznik, S.Tarasau … In the honor of the hero of the day S. Paniznik sent notes, some of his translations of her poems in the Belarusian language, as well as a couple of dedications.
Sergei Pаniznik: Grain of words. By the 92th anniversary of Ivan Bursau
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p.163–172, www.sakavik.net)
Ivan Bursau was born on December 19, 1927 in Klimavichi of Magileu province. In 2011, Ivan Bursau presented the anthology of Belarusian poetry “Steps”. In 2016, he published a new book entitled “Breath of time”, where his translation into Russian of many poems of Belarusian poets were placed. The magazine received several poems by I. Bursau translated from Russian by S.Paniznik and two dedications to him as well. During publication of this issue it became known that I. Bursau paassed away. Eternal memory!
Information about the events of the cultural life of Belarusian communities
Aleg Rudakou: About Belarus warriors and their families, exiled to the Irkutsk region in 1950-1951
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p.173-176, http://www.sakavik.net)
Irkutsk Belarusian Club «Kryvych” organized the presentation of the book “Monte Cassino. Cheremkhovo”, author Vasil Rakita. This book is about Belarusians, members of the famous Anders’ Army (a Polish general who came from a noble family of Baltic Germans), who fought against the Nazis and who were exiled by the Stalin regime in 1950-51 to the city of Cheremkhovo, Irkutsk region. In 1971, the Supreme Court of the BSSR ruled that the deportation of the former “Anders” was unreasonable.
Calendar of important events in the life of Belarusians in 2019
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, December 2019, issue 24, p.177-183; http://www.sakavik.net)
In this issue: Calendar of wrirers’ and poets’ birthdays, and Calendar of historical dates.
Next issue (#25) of “Culture. Nation” will be published in April-May 2020.
Magazine
“CULTURE, NATION”,
Issue 23, April 2019
(magazine“CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p.5-10)
Dear readers!
The 23rd issue of “Culture. Nation” magazine comes at a time when the existence of the Belarusian nation experiences a challenge with adverse external and internal factors. In fact, over the past six months political and economic problems that come from our East neighbor much worsened. The question is put by an edge – or Belarus will be forced to go in the wake of Russia’s strict policies or leadership of the country will be able to get out of a critical situation once again. This is evidenced by numerous facts – an undeniable statement of the Russian Federation Premier-Minister, Mr. Medvedev about the need to deepen the integration of Belarus and Russia in the framework of the Union State (agreement on creation of which was signed in 1999 by Lukashenka and Yeltsin), the appointment to Belarus of aggressive, ignorant in term of our history, the Russian ambassador Mikhail Babich, the threat of higher oil prices for the Belarus, “apple and pear wars”, etc.
It has been repeatedly discussed in our magazine that a risky tactical balancing by President Lukashenko between Russia and the West should lead to the creation of just such a situation when aggressive Eurasian movement to the West will undoubtedly dictate Belarusians such political and economic environment which would inevitably lead, sooner or later, to absorption of Belarus by Russia. The result of this “balancing” policy was that the Belarusian government at the moment is forced to ask Russian loans to pay off debts, a deferment to repay 10-billion-loan for the construction of a nuclear power plant, and so on. Add to this a failure in carrying out reforms in the economic sphere.
Such a sad result might be explained by the absence of a clear strategic line of the Belarusian authorities in relation to Russia. So far, in response to the numerous examples of “tightening the screws” on the part of Moscow President Lukashenko proposed to block the pipeline coming from Russia to the West on the Belarusian territory. Thus, between the two countries is now going opened, the previously invisible, war – “soft colonization” of Belarus by Russia and attempts to withstand to it by Belarus. However, once such a strategy would have to be created – if not by the current but a future government! Time to hurry! In Ukraine, our neighbor in the East-Slavic civilization, presidential elections were held. Let’s hope that the course of Ukraine to the West (EU and NATO) does not change which certainly would have a positive impact on the future geopolitical choice of Belarus.
Under the guise of strengthening its “unique” sovereignty based not on national, but on the post-Soviet neo-values, the government pressed far to the periphery the real sovereignty of the nation-state. Unfortunately, the basis of such a negative attitude to everything national is a mentality and outlook of one person, President Lukashenko, who has managed during 25 years of his rule, subjugate everything and everyone. Without his consent in the country is doing nothing. It is obvious that without him could not have done the demolition of crosses in Kurapaty, and the tacit refusal of K. Kalinouski as a national hero.
He was ordered to take off crosses from Kurapaty – it was done. Neither priest protests of main religion confessions nor few public protests did save them. Mr. Lukashenko, who according to the information has never been in Kurapaty, is surrounded by people with dubious attitude to all Belarusian – wearing the NKVD form, erected a monument to the tsar’s policemen (zandarm) and guard it, and still do not know who are buried in this national memorial. They ought to read the archived data collected by Marakou which lists tens of thousands of murdered Belarusians – the color of the nation, to understand something, and repent, and not to mock people’s memory. Anyone would like to be informed if these people know where the CEC Chairman of Central Election Committee, V. Ganchar, Gen. Y. Zakharenko … are buried?
Ask every Belarusian and he finds traces of communist regime crimes in Kurapaty. Brother of my grandfather, Siargei Ignatavich Murzionak (1896-1937), came from Western Belarus in Minsk, learned, worked as a judge, was arrested as a Polish spy in August 23, shot on November 22, 1937 in Minsk jail. Where is he buried?! As a joke can be taken the authority words on the Kurapaty improvement, where in good Soviet tradition were sent Komsomol (BRSM) and “tamed” trade unions. It is thought that this would never have happened in Lithuania and Poland – the next day, if it happened in those countries, the government like in Belarus would no longer exist.
It is a shame that so far the government of Belarus did not react to the planned reburial in September 2019 of rebels remains (1863-1864) recently found in Vilnius. No decision on the official delegation, no application or request on the need to make the tombstone inscriptions in Belarusian, including K. Kalinowski grave.
Obscure and unclear statements of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and pro-government deputies do not change anything. The existence of political prisoners and constant arrests of Belarusian activists, which are continued under the rule of the dictator for a quarter century, led, it seems so, to the fact that for the majority of the Belarusian population examples of anti-national policy of the above is not emergency news. The indifference of a large part of the Belarusians to the national, which is mistakenly referred to as a tolerance, increased even more in recent years, and is very similar to that promoted by the one well-known person in the country.
As a result, the country has a big problem – an extremely low national consciousness of the Belarusian people. To the call for pray in Kurapaty after the demolition of crosses came about 200 people from two million city population. Many thanks to these people for their determination, but if you calculate, the amount consists only 0.01% of the total population of the city. It is clear that the path of the Belarusian people to true freedom is still far and lies, this only and the most likely one, through a national and democratic education of Belarusians.
Wishing you pleasant reading.The magazine Founder and Editor, Piotra Murzionak
April 20, 2019, Ottawa
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Thank you letter to the Lithuanian government in regards of commemoration of 1863-1864 rebels.
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p.11,www.sakavik.net )
Piotra Murzonak: Where you’ve been brought – Belarusian?
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p.12–23,www.sakavik.net )
An analysis of the current interrelations between Belarus and Russia is provided. The nearest threat for Belarus, as it seems, comes from Russia, and not as a country with a huge military, economic and political potential, as well as a country bearing Eurasism ideology, the ideology of the rule of the state over the individual, a collectivist mentality over the individual, respect for strong authoritarian leaders. Another, perhaps the most dangerous factor for the Belarusian nation lies in the fact that Russia, having a multi-faceted cultural heritage and contemporary culture and using the Russian language as a tool, can absorb the culture of small countries, including the post-Soviet space. Russian policy can work against Belarus as a “soft colonization”. All this together is pushing the Belarusian elites, both pro-government and national-motivated, to seek, to justify and defend its own specific way for the preservation and development of the nation-state.
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(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p.24-35, www.sakavik.net)
In the interwar time one of the centers of the Belarusian national and cultural activities was Latvia. The main part of the Latvian Belarusians lived in Latgallia, where they were the indigenous population. Due to the very liberal legislation of the Republic of Latvia until 1934, local Belarusians enjoyed national-cultural autonomy, which, however, has been eliminated, along with the establishment of the country’s authoritarian regime of Karlis Ulmanis. During the German occupation (1941-1945), national-cultural life of Latvian Belarusians increased significantly. A pragmatic policy of occupiers contributed to this. One of the essential aspects of the Belarusian life at this time was a musical and theatrical activity. This article examines in detail the conditions under which the activity of Belarusian musicians and actors occurred as well as it analyzes the results of their work.
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Jerzy Grzybowski: Belarusians in Warsaw during the German Occupation (1939-1945)
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p. 36–46, www.sakavik.net)
One of the centers of the Belarusian national movement during the Second World War was Warsaw. The bulk of Belarusians in the Polish capital were former Polish soldiers, who in 1939 were in German captivity. Meanwhile, the engine of national life was the figures of the Belarusian – Polish pre-war residents of the state. Among the local activists were: Mikalaj Shchors, Mikalaj Zhdanovich, Ivan Stankevich, priest Vincent Hadleuski and others. Political and international situation during the war contributed to the revitalization of national-cultural activity of Belarusians in German-occupied territories. As a result, in Warsaw, it was created the Belarusian Committee of the General of Province, which is patronized by local Belarusians. In addition, the elementary school worked, the Orthodox and Roman Catholic parishes acted. Cultural, educational and religious activities of Belarusians in Warsaw were visible at home.
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Siargei Paniznik: “For the bread you may find what you want…”
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p.47–56, www.sakavik.net)
Folk recordings on a great homeland, vocabulary treasures, beauty speech and pronounciation of countrymen from Miory-Disna region of Belarus.
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(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p. 57-69, http://www.sakavik.net)
A set of previous and latest poems by famous Belarusian poet Siargei Paniznik.
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Anniversaries. The 70th anniversary of Eugenia Anishchyts by Siargei Paniznik: “I promise that I all can overpower …”
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p.70–79, www.sakavik.net )
Memories to Eugenia Anishchyts, famous Belarusian poet and translator.
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(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p.80–86, www.sakavik.net )
The celebration was held in Ottawa on Saturday, April 6, 2019, in the Councillors Lounge of Ottawa City Hall from 14.00 to 17.00. In the program: Congratulation by I. Survila, chairman of the Rada BNR in exile. Awarding ceremony of the Belarusian Institute of Arts and Science (BINIM, Canada) for 2018. Poems by Yuri Chametka. The performance “The Street of Heniyush” by Toronto actors, directed by V. Chevtchenko. For the development of the Belarusian culture in Canada diplomas of the BINIM (Canada) were awarded: Violetta Kovaleva; sound and Igor Filyushkin for the video film-music tale “To, To, To”; Valentina Chevtchenko for directing and staging the play “The Street of Heniyush”; team Ottawa for organizing and conducting the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Belarusian People’s Republic in Canada Parliament building composed of: Natalia Barkar, Inna, Ksenia and Alexandre Karalkevich, Irena and Vladimir Klimkovich, Alexandra Logvin, Oksana and Sergei Mazgavoj, Piotra Murzionak, Irina and Vladimir Panchenko, Galina Rezaipur, Mikhail Rykov, Galina Tumilovich, Vlada and Yuri Chametka.
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Siargei Paniznik: Belarusian meridians, Ukrainian parallels, and Lviv’ equator. MEMORABLE DATES 2019 (magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p.87–105; www.sakavik.net )
Our famous poet Siargei Paniznik prepared Belarusian calendar for 2019 where the events reflected therein are accompanied by his verses.
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Calendar of important events in the life of Belarusians in 2019
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, April 2019, issue 23, p.106-112; http://www.sakavik.net)
In this issue: Calendar of wrirers’ and poets’ birthdays, and Calendar of historical dates.
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Magazine
“CULTURE, NATION”,
Issue 22, November 2018
Editorial (magazine“CULTURE, NATION”, November 2018, issue 22, p. 8-10)
Dear friends,
On November 11, 1918, the First World War ended.
On November 11, 2018, the mankind commemorated the centenary of this event in Paris.
The sacrifice of people during the war described in numerous historical and artistic literature. Do not touching all those published, I just decided to recall what connects me, at least in some way, with these past sad events. At once, I thought of my grandparents and their families who had to live at that not a joyous time; short notes “Remembering Ancestors” you will find at the beginning of this issue.
It would seem that hundred years has passed after the guns stopped booming both on the European continent and in every corner of our planet, but the human memory can’t forget that terrible war and its consequences. Especially because in those 100 years, there were another war – II-nd World War and many others in not a such scale. It appears the mankind learned the lessons of the twentieth century wars – signed various peace agreements, military agreements, written memorandum – and the threat of a new III-rd World War is at the door yet.
And this borderline between the fighting worlds again stands on the Belarusian land. Belarus is, as before, in the midst of a struggle between East \ Eurasian and Western civilizations. We adhere to the idea that Belarus, together with Ukraine, make Western-Ruthenian civilization that has existed since 13-14 centuries. Today, Ukraine is fighting to escape from the clutches of the Russian empire, but Belarus Muscovites want to “drag” closer to the Ural Mountains, and leave it there perhaps forever – in the Eurasian civilization.
Attempts of the current Belarusian government to provide a multivector foreign policy, and to diversify trade flows run into the silent and menacing actions of the Russian Empire. Indeed, Russia may put the people of Belarus to its knees at any time – to invert Belarus country to Belarus colony like a subject of the Russian Federation by blocking access to energy (oil, gas, nuclear), or importing “green” men. Recent events show the increasing tension between Russia and Belarus, and the attempts to carry out some kind of tactic games with Russia are very dangerous and can be finished badly without defining strategic targets for Belarusian nation.
As example, in the middle of October 2018 at the regional conference in the city of Mogilev Mr. Lukashenko says to Mr. Putin that Mogilev is … well, almost entirely Russian city, a week later at the meeting with Mr. Poroshenko, he states almost the same saying that Gomel … well, it’s almost a Ukrainian city. In the same month, an unexpected phrase, by the US Assistant Secretary of National Security Mr. Mitchell, that Georgia, Ukraine and even Belarus (?!!) can be an outpost against Russian imperialist policies followed by the two opposing statements of Lukashenko: a) if American military base will be placed in Poland, then we (with Russia) will be forced to post something in Belarus; b) after the arrival of the American analysts at the end of October, he talked about the importance of the European security and the important role of the United States. And all this happened only during two weeks. A month before, the Russian defense minister Mr. Shoigu came to Belarus and signed some regular military agreements. It is evident that without help from Western countries it will be extremely difficult or even impossible to protect the neutrality and independence of Belarus.
In connection with the above editorial board decided to place the recently published article in English by P. Murzionak about the place of the Belarusian-Ukrainian or Western-Ruthenia civilization among other sub-civilizations of the Western civilization. The paper debates the inadmissibility of the division between Orthodox \ Eurasian and Western \ Latin civilizations based on religion – Orthodoxy versus Catholicism.
Aliaxey Fedarenka, in his article, shares his experience being in Mexico-city during a two-month training course on the restoration and conservation of stone and all its products. These courses are held regularly under the auspices of UNESCO. At this time the course has been organized in a suburb of Mexico City, in Churubusco monastery, which was built on the site of the former settlement before Spanish era. The author tells about everyday life in the Mexican capital, and makes a brief historical excursion into the events that occurred in this area in the 16-19 centuries.
Essay of Yuri Shametska devoted to arguments about the Belarusian emigration in modern times. The author concludes that emigration in the period of globalization is the movement of people for a better life. The author shares his thoughts about the reasons of his family migration, asks “And was it worth to go?”, talks about the high level of civic life in Canada, about his responsibilities and relationship with the “indigenous” Canadians, of his close connection with homeland and his Belaruskasc.
The magazine is always happy waiting for materials from the homeland. In this year, as in the previous one, we received interesting information from Pastavy region sent by Igar Prakapovich, a well-known local historian, teacher, poet and writer. I. Prakapovich takes an active role in raising children with their love for their land and with their knowledge of the history of his small homeland. This time, he describes an expedition with students in the natural and historical complex “Kryzhouki”, located near the lake Douza and Varanets bordering Myadzel district. As a result of the research it was able to collect additional material and to determine the possible creation of tourist routes.
In the section devoted to the events of cultural life of Belarusian organizations, a number of information is provided: about the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Canadian Belarusian Association (ZBK), about performance dedicated to Larissa Heniyush, which was held in Toronto in April 2018, a poetic and musical party in Ottawa in September and presentation of book of poems “Kolery” (“Colours”), about various holidays in Irkutsk, “Kamaedzitsa”, “Cover”, “Santa”, sent by Aleg Rudakou. What makes Mr. Rudakov in Irkutsk is an outstanding example for many Belarusians not only abroad but also at homeland. We know that a lot of cultural, traditional festivals held in different parts of Belarus – the magazine “Culture. Nation” will be happy to publish any information about these Belarusian events.
The poetry section of the issue contains “Minsk poems” by Yuri Shametka, and poem “Belaya Rus”, by Piotra Murzionak.
The magazine “Culture. Nation” is very grateful to the editorial board member, Sergey Paniznik for his valuable materials, supplemented by archival, unique pictures. In this issue we publish his notes “On the shore of life, on the bank of Dzvina” – about the international ecological expedition in 1988 organized by Vasily T. Yakavenka, novelist, publicist, public figure. The material harmoniously enriched with photos from the event. S. Paniznik also sent materials on the 180 anniversary of the birth of Kastus Kalinouski.
He provided as well a very touchy letter from Wolga Grytsuk he received 5 years ago, when W. Grytsuk celebrated her 90th anniversary. Now, S. Paniznik congratulates his compatriot, Mrs. W. Grytsuk with 95th anniversary. The magazine “Culture. Nation” joins to these congratulations wishing W. Grytsuk all the best, and attaches to the issue a copy of this letter. S. Paniznik sent other materials – to the 85th anniversary of Nina Jiansane, and to the 75th anniversary of the birth of the artist Valeryj Dzeviskiba.
Please, send your comments and remarks to the address: chasopis.sakavik@hotmail.com
Wishing you pleasant reading.
The magazine Founder and Editor,
Piotra Murzionak
November 18, 2018, Ottawa
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Piotra Murzonak: Remembering Ancestors. The First World War
(magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, November 2018, issue 22, p.11-15, www.sakavik.net)
On November 11, 1918, the First World War ended. On November 11, 2018, the mankind commemorated the centenary of this event in Paris. The author recalls what connects him, at least in some way, with these past sad events, specifically, about his grandparents and their families who had to live at that not a joyous time.
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(abstracts, magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, November 2018, issue 22, p.16-30, www.sakavik.net)
The aim of this article is to further develop the idea of the existence of a distinct Belarusian-Ukrainian/Western-Ruthenian civilization, to define its place among Western sub-civilizations, as well as to argue against the designation of Belarus and Ukraine as belonging to the Eurasian civilization. Most of the provided evidence will be related to Belarus; however, it also applies to Ukraine, the country that has had much in common with Belarus in its historical and cultural inheritance since the 9th and 10th centuries.
Article published in “Comparative Civilizations Review”: Vol. 78, Spring 2018, pp.40-54.
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Aliaxej Fedarenka: Journey to Mexico
(magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, November 2018, issue 22, p.31-37, www.sakavik.net)
Aliaxey Fedarenka shares his experience being in Mexico-city during a two-month training course on the restoration and conservation of stone and all its products. These courses are held regularly under the auspices of UNESCO. At this time the course has been organized in a suburb of Mexico City, in Churubusco monastery, which was built on the site of the former settlement before Spanish era. The author tells about everyday life in the Mexican capital, and makes a brief historical excursion into the events that occurred in this area in the 16-19 centuries.
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Yuri Chametka: Emigration or movement that promotes life (magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, November 2018, issue 22, p. 38-50, www.sakavik.net)
Essay of Yuri Chametka devoted to arguments about the Belarusian emigration in modern times. The author concludes that emigration in the period of globalization is the movement of people to a better life. The author shares his thoughts about the reasons of his family migration, asks “And was it worth to go?”, talks about the high level of civic life in Canada, about his responsibilities and relationship with the “indigenous” Canadians, of his close connection with homeland and his Belaruskasc.
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Igar Prakapovich: Expedition to “Kryzhouki” (Pastavy region, Belarus)
(magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, November 2018, issue 22, p.51-56, http://www.sakavik.net)
In this year, as in the previous one, we received interesting information from Pastavy region sent by Igar Prakapovich, a well-known local historian, teacher, poet and writer. I. Prakapovich takes an active role in raising children with their love for their land and with their knowledge of the history of his small homeland. This time, he describes an expedition with students in the natural and historical complex “Kryzhouki”, located near the lake Douza and Varanets bordering Myadzel region. As a result of the research it was able to collect additional material and to determine the possible creation of tourist routes.
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Some events of cultural life of Belarusian organizations abroad in 2018
(magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, November 2018, issue 22, p. 57–73, www.sakavik.net)
In the section devoted to the events of cultural life of Belarusian organizations, a number of information is provided: about the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Canadian Belarusian Association (ZBK), about performance dedicated to Larissa Heniyush, which was held in Toronto in April 2018, a poetic and musical party in Ottawa in September and presentation of book of poems “Kolery” (“Colours”), about various holidays in Irkutsk, “Kamaedzitsa”, “Pakrovy”, “Dzjady”, sent by Aleg Rudakou. What makes Mr. Rudakov in Irkutsk is an outstanding example for many Belarusians not only abroad but also at homeland. We know that a lot of cultural, traditional festivals held in different parts of Belarus – the magazine “Culture. Nation” will be happy to publish any information about these Belarusian events.
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Yuri Chametka: “Mensk’ poems” (magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, November 2018, issue 22, p. 74-85, www.sakavik.net)
Yuri Chametka was born and raised in Minsk. Author of poetry books “The Path to the return” and “Ottawa”. Poems published in the Almanakh “Belarus”, magazines “Dzejaslou”, “Youth”, in the newspaper “Literature and Art”. Since 1997 he lives with his family in Ottawa, Canada. Now he presents a set of poems devoted to his lovely city Minsk.
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Piotra Murzionak: “Bela Rus” (poem)
(magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, November 2018, issue 22, p. 86-91, www.sakavik.net)
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Siargei Paniznik: Information to Issue 22 of the magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, November 2018, p. 93–115, www.sakavik.net
The magazine “Culture. Nation” is very grateful to the editorial board member, Sergey Paniznik for his valuable materials, supplemented by archival, unique pictures. In this issue we publish his notes “On the shore of life, on the bank of Dzvina” – about the international ecological expedition in 1988 organized by Vasily T. Yakavenka, novelist, publicist, public figure. The material harmoniously enriched with photos from the event. S. Paniznik also sent materials on the 180 anniversary of the birth of Kastus Kalinouski.
He provided as well a very touchy letter from Wolga Grytsuk he received 5 years ago, when W. Grytsuk celebrated her 90th anniversary. Now, S. Paniznik congratulates his compatriot, Mrs. W. Grytsuk with 95th anniversary. The magazine “Culture. Nation” joins to these congratulations wishing W. Grytsuk all the best, and attaches to the issue a copy of this letter. S. Paniznik sent other materials – to the 85th anniversary of Nina Jiansane, and to the 75th anniversary of the birth of the artist Valeryj Dzeviskiba.
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Calendar of important events in the life of Belarusians in 2019
(magazine “CULTURE. NATION”, November 2018, issue 22, p.116-122; http://www.sakavik.net)
In this issue: Calendar of wrirers’ and poets’ birthdays, and Calendar of historical Belarusian dates.
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Next 23rd issue of “Culture. Nation” will be published in April 2019.
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Magazine
“CULTURE, NATION”,
Issue 21, March 2018
Abstracts
Piotra Murzionak: Editorial to magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, March 2018, issue 21, p.5-6; www.sakavik.net )
The twenty-first issue of “Сulture. Nation” (March 2018, №21) is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of independence of the Belarusian Democratic Republic. We congratulate our readers with this defining date in the life of Belarusian people, of which the newest history of the Belarusian statehood started.
The basic materials of this issue are documents, presentations, and images related to the celebration of the BDR centennial by Belarusians in Ottawa. At the same time, the magazine contains an interesting article by the well-known local historian in Pastavy and Vitebsk region, Igar Prakapovich, dedicated to research the origin of the name of Belarusian town Svir. No doubt, the issue is quite interesting in the calendar-2018 by Siargei Paniznik. This time, our famous poet prepared unusual Belarusian calendar where the events reflected therein, accompanied by verses of our famous poet.
Two years have passed since the magazine first published the “Strategy of Development of the Belarusian Nation.” During this time, it was significantly enriched and improved.
Suffice it to say that in the discussion of the “Strategy” attended by over a hundred people, it was published in the newspapers “Nasha Niva”, “Novy Chas”, on the websites of the World Association of Belarusians “Backaushchyna”, Belarusian Language Society, “We – the Nation”, “Our land”, “Pahonja” (Czech Republic), Belarus News, discussed by Polish radio (February 27, 2016) and “Belsat” (March 12, 2016). The text of the “Strategy” has been circulated among the participants of the 7th Congress of the Belarusians of the world (15-16 July 15-16, 2017) and 13-th Congress of the Belarusian Language Society (October 29, 2017).
“The Strategy of Development of the Belarusian Nation” is now available on a separate page of www.sakavik.net . We ask readers to take part in its further improvement. All possible changes, additions, changes will be made on this permanent page, but it will not be printed in each issue of the magazine as it was done before. Please your comments and remarks send to the address: chasopis.sakavik@hotmail.com
Wishing you pleasant reading.
The magazine Founder and Editor, Piotra Murzionak
March 18, 2018, Ottawa
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(magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, March 2018, issue 21, p.7-46; www.sakavik.net )
The basic materials of this issue are documents, presentations, and images related to the celebration of the BNR centennial by Belarusians in Ottawa (program, press-release, speeches, greetings, book exhibition, letters, images).
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Igar Prakapovich: Svir and Svirians
(magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, March 2018, issue 21, p.47-55; www.sakavik.net )
That is an interesting article written by the well-known local historian in Pastavy and Vitebsk region, Igar Prakapovich, dedicated to research the origin of the name of Belarusian town Svir.
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Siargei Paniznik: Calendar for 2018 with the verses of the author
(magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, March 2018, issue 21, p.56-77; www.sakavik.net )
No doubt, the issue is quite interesting in the calendar-2018 by Siargei Paniznik. This time, our famous poet prepared unusual Belarusian calendar where the events reflected therein, accompanied by verses of our famous poet.
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(magazine “CULTURE, NATION”, March 2018, issue 21, p.78-91; www.sakavik.net )
The exhibition is organized by the members of Belarusian Institute of Arts and Sciences in Canada (March 11, 2018; Commons Reading Room, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada). Books are from the collections of J. Survila and P. Murzionak. The organization of the exhibition and book presentation was done by Ksenia and Alexander Karalkevich, and Piotra Murzionak.
Next, 22nd issue of “Culture. Nation” will be published in October-November 2018.
КУЛЬТУРА, НАЦЫЯ 