BelSU Celebrates Russian Language Day

The Centre for Civic and Patriotic Education of Students of Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) organized a poetry evening titled “I Have Erected a Monument to Myself Not Built by Hands” (from poem translation by Babette Deutsch), in tribute to Pushkin’s birthday and Russian Language Day. Igor Parkhomov, a specialist at the centre and the evening’s host, highlighted Pushkin’s pivotal role as the founder of the modern Russian literary language. He explained how Pushkin synthesized bookish language with everyday Russian speech, blending Church Slavonic elements, European influences, and the vernacular.

The event welcomed several distinguished guests, including Vice-Rector for Educational Work and Youth Policy Elena Malyshkina, Archpriest Roman (Pivnev), Rector of the Archangel Gabriel BelSU House Church, as well as Elena Trofimenko, Director of the Department of Youth Policy and Educational Activities, and Inna Kuznetsova, Director of the Center for Youth Initiatives.

“I would like to express my gratitude to our students for their active participation in university life and their commitment to enriching our beautiful Russian language. I hope you enjoy communicating with one another. Embrace our great language and engage in conversation,” Trofimenko encouraged the attendees.

Father Roman also emphasized the importance of verbal communication among people, stating that meaningful dialogue fosters mutual understanding and peace, paving the way for harmony and agreement.

Students from various institutes of Belgorod State University recited excerpts from Pushkin’s works. The poetry evening featured not only Russian students but also participants from other countries. At the conclusion of the event, all participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their involvement.

The day prior, another poetry evening titled “About Pushkin. About Book. About Love” was organized specifically for international students at BelSU. This event attracted students from Angola, Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Ecuador and was facilitated by the university’s partner, the Belgorod State Universal Scientific Library.