Posted:
11.12.2024 14:17:00
Exhibition celebrating Symeon of Polotsk opened at National Library
A book exhibition called The Mouth Speaks what the Heart Is Full Of celebrates the 395th anniversary of Symeon of Polotsk, showcasing him as a man of enlightenment, theologian, preacher, poet, playwright, publisher, and teacher, the National Library press-service informed
“The exhibition presents 17th-21st century publications from our collection that introduce our audience to the originals: books by Symeon of Polotsk published during his life and shortly after his death. They paint a picture of the interest researchers and publishers have shown for that formidable, multi-faceted personality throughout centuries and up to the modern days,” said the library representatives.
The exposition opens with a section called Symeon, Son of Polotsk where books about the poet’s native city are presented. Polotsk is the cradle of the Belarusian statehood and the home to the whole constellation of great historical personalities.
Next sections: Two Weeks of Studies and The Renowned Symeon, cover his studies in the Kiev-Mohyla Academy, his move to Moscow in 1664, and the spanning career in teaching, politics, literature and publishing that he built there. Symeon became the court poet to Tsar Alexis of Moscow, and the tutor to his children.
The section called Spirituality and Devotion: Literary Efforts by Symeon of Polotsk details the key stages of the poet’s literary career.
“There we have copies of The Menologium, Verses by Symeon of Polotsk on Historical Subjects, and The Russian Eagle, a symbolic and heraldic poem ( a 1915 publication and a facsimile copy from 2016),” added the press service.
The last section, Hieromonk Symeon’s Manuscripts through Researchers’ Eyes, presents scientific papers, treatises and articles by V. Gigin, L. Denisenko, R. Dozhdikova, L. Zvonareva, B. Kostin, D. Likhachev, A. Martinovich, L. Sazonova, and other scientists.
The exhibition will be open in the National Library Book Museum and the Circle Gallery until March 16th. Opening hours are the same as the library and the museum. Entry is free of charge for holders of library cards or socio-cultural centre tickets.
