Description of the attraction
The monument to Simeon of Polotsk was opened in Polotsk on September 7, 2003 - the day of celebration of the Belarusian writing. The authors of the monument: sculptor Alexander Finsky, architects Georgy Fedorov and Natalia Tsavik. The great educator, teacher, politician, scientist, writer, poet and theologian - Simeon Polotsky left an indelible mark on the Belarusian culture.
Simeon Polotsky (real name Samuil Gavrilovich Petrovsky-Sitnyanovich) was born in Polotsk on December 12, 1629. He studied at the Kiev-Mohyla Collegium - a Catholic higher educational institution. In 1656, Simeon of Polotsk converted to Orthodoxy and tonsured a monk. Due to his education, he quickly moved up the church hierarchy. His sermons became famous far beyond the borders of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
The Russian Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, who highly appreciated the righteousness and education of the venerable monk, entrusted Simeon of Polotsk with the upbringing of his children, on whose worldview he had a great influence. Especially on Princess Sophia, who considered Simeon of Polotsk to be her spiritual mentor until the end of her days. In Moscow, Simeon of Polotsk, by order of the tsar, also founded a Latin school for clerks of secret orders.
Simeon Polotsky composed very unusual poems, drawing them in the form of a star, a cross or a heart. In the 17th century, such a skill was highly valued, and even today the graceful literature of an educated monk amazes the imagination of his contemporaries.
In Polotsk, the Museum-Library of Simeon of Polotsk is named after the enlightener. It contains unique books published by Simeon Polotsky and his manuscripts.
