Evfrosinya of Polotsk

Evfrosinya of Polotsk (http://belarustourism.by/people/efrosinya-polotska)

One of the most significant figures in the cultural heritage of Belarus is Saint Evfrosinya of Polotsk.

The princess of Polotsk, a descendant of the Prince Svyatoslav, she was born in 1114. At birth, the girl was given the name of Predislava, which predicted her future glory. She got the best of education possible for that time and was a keen and capable learner. Her childhood was short: by the tradition of that time she was to choose a husband at 12. The rumours of her beauty and talents spread far beyond Polotsk, which was then the centre of the economic and cultural life of the Eastern Slavonic Lands. There were a lot of princes and rich noblemen who were eager to marry her. However, the young princess made a different choice. She said to herself, "What did our ancestors, who lived before us, achieve? They married and had children, ruled over other people and fought against each other. They died and their glory was forgotten. Who remembers them now? But those, who refused the joys of life and prayed for all, will never be forgotten".

Monument to Evfrosinya of Polotsk (http://belarustourism.by/people/efrosinya-polotska)

She went to live in a convent and secretly became a nun. There she continued her education reading theological and philosophical books - from the work of Aristotle and Plato to the books written by her contemporaries. Later she began copying ancient religious books. She also did a lot of translations from Greek and Latin and wrote a historic chronicle of Polotsk.

She opened schools for children where they were taught science, medicine, rhetorics and poetry. Being a great enlightener, St Evfrosinya kept in contact with the people, who formed the upper intellectual and spiritual part of the society.

In the middle of the 12th century, she founded the famous Savior's Church, which was designed by a local master. The church has survived and is now considered to be a fine specimen of old architecture. She ordered frescoes to be painted on its walls and they can be still seen in the church.

Her death was as unusual and mysterious as her life was. In 1167 she made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where she asked God to let her die in the Holy Land. Her prayer was gratified: she soon fell ill and died and was buried in Jerusalem.

At present her remains are in the Saviour's church in Polotsk. She is worshipped as a protectress and patroness of the Belarusian people. As for me I think that Evfrosiniya Polotskaya is a prominent name in the history of Belarus. I think so because she did a lot for Belarusian people and their future. She was rich, but thought about poor people. I think that it was rare for that time. As for me - she is a real hero of Belarus.

I respect her because she translated religious books from Greek and Latin into the Belarusian language. And I know that she copied them by hand. I think, it is very hard, especially for me. I don't know many heroes of Belarus, who did so much for our people. I'm sure that she played a significant role in the country's history.

I agree with many people, that she was very helpful, because she opened schools for children, even though she didn't have her own children. In my opinion, she made a large contribution into the future Belarusian system of education and it is really important for me, because I want to continue my education.

Crying Euphrosyne of Polotsk by Alexey Kuzmich (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alexey_Kuz ())