The presentation and symbolic handover of the facsimile edition of the 11th-century Turov Gospel took place at the Lenin Regional Library

The first copies of the restored historical book monument of our country were presented as a gift to the libraries, museums, and educational institutions of the Vitebsk region by Alexander Sushа, Deputy Director for Scientific Work and Publishing Activities of the National Library of Belarus.

– The Turau Gospel is a unique manuscript, not only Belarusian but also one of the oldest East Slavic manuscripts, dating back to the mid-11th century. It testifies to the early roots of spirituality, written, and intellectual culture in our lands. The original is currently in Lithuania, but thanks to the facsimile, Belarusians have the opportunity to touch this historical heritage.

The facsimile became the result of the National Library's project to restore the most valuable book heritage of our country. In 2014, within the framework of this activity, two publications were released at once: the very first handwritten book – the Turau Gospel of the 11th century, and a printed edition – five volumes from the heritage of Francysk Skaryna. By the way, earlier the Slutsk and Polotsk Gospels, the Barkalabaŭ Chronicle, and numerous educational publications – primers – had already been restored.

At the event, Alexander Sushа handed over 8 copies of the manuscript to the regional library, as well as to the book repositories of Polotsk, Novopolotsk, Orsha, the Vitebsk Regional Museum of Local Lore, and Vitebsk State University named after P. Masherov. Earlier, part of the print run was distributed through the Belarusian Orthodox Church as a partner in the project's implementation, because, as Alexander Alexandrovich believes, it would be incorrect to publish the Gospel (which translates as "good news") without the blessing of Metropolitan Pavel.

The printing of the Turov Gospel was prepared for about five years – starting with negotiations to obtain access to the original, and the search for sponsors, because the first 500 copies are distributed on a non-commercial basis among state and public organizations of Belarus and partly foreign countries. The facsimile restoration of the manuscript, which is an achievement of the entire society, according to the organizers, should contribute to the positive image of our homeland and its culture. Residents of the Vitebsk region also have the opportunity to touch historical wealth.

Natalia KAMLYOVA, "Vitebskiye Vesti"