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Frantsisk SkorinaBelarusian pioneer printer, educator
Date of Birth: 24.04.1490
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
- Francysk Skaryna: The Belarusian Pioneer and Educator
- The Founding of a Printing Press in Prague
- Life in Vilnius
- A Legacy of Greatness
Francysk Skaryna: The Belarusian Pioneer and Educator
Francysk Skaryna, also known as Franciscus Scorina, was a Belarusian pioneer and educator who played a significant role in the establishment of Eastern Slavic printing. Born in 1486 in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Skaryna received his education at the University of Krakow, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in philosophy. He later continued his studies at the University of Padua and successfully passed the examination to become a doctor of medicine.
The Founding of a Printing Press in Prague
Skaryna's most notable achievement was the establishment of a printing press in Prague. In 1517, he published the "Psalter" using Cyrillic script, which is recognized as the first printed Belarusian book. Over the next two years, Skaryna translated and published 22 books of the Old Testament in Prague. The language used in his publications was referred to as "Ruski" in his prefaces and commentaries, described by some scholars as Slavic and by others as Belarusian. Today, this language is commonly referred to as Old Belarusian.
Life in Vilnius
In 1520, Skaryna moved to Vilnius, where he published the "Small Travel Booklet" in 1520 and the "Apostol" in 1525. However, in the early 1530s, he was forced to leave Vilnius. The remaining years of his life were spent in Prague, serving as the personal physician and gardener to King Ferdinand.
A Legacy of Greatness
Francysk Skaryna is considered one of the greatest sons of Belarus. In his honor, the highest state award in Belarus is named after him. His name is also carried by a university in Gomel, the central library and pedagogical institute in Polotsk, as well as various other organizations and landmarks. Skaryna's contributions to the printing and dissemination of knowledge have left an indelible mark on Belarusian history and culture.
