On the 11th anniversary of the death of Father Alexander Nadson, the first “Nadson Readings” are taking place in Vilnius — an international conference bringing together scholars, colleagues, and those who knew him to reflect on his legacy and remember a man who, as it was said, could “quickly turn anyone into a Belarusianist,” writes Uladzislaǔ Harbacki in Novy Chas:
“On the 11th anniversary of the death of Father Alexander Nadson, the first ‘Nadson Readings’ are being held in Vilnius — an international conference that brings together scholars, colleagues, and those close to him to reflect on his legacy and to commemorate a man who could ‘quickly turn anyone into a Belarusianist’.
15 April marks eleven years since the passing of Fr Alexander Nadson. On this occasion, at the initiative of the Francis Skaryna Belarusian Library in London, the ‘Nadson Readings’ are being held in Vilnius.
This is the first international conference dedicated to Alexander Nadson — a scholar, Belarusianist, priest, and translator. His legacy is examined both in a multidisciplinary way (linguistics, history, literary studies, liturgics, diaspora studies, art history) and across generations (by his students, followers, researchers who knew him personally, as well as those influenced by him intellectually).
Alongside scholarly reflection, an equally important dimension is the human appreciation of Fr Nadson. One of the most powerful and moving parts of the Readings is therefore the session of personal recollections, featuring people who were close to him and knew him well: Ivonka Survilla, Jim Dingley, Lucyna Alexandrowicz, Siarhei Dubavec, Siarhei Stasevič, and Vasil Eaǔdakimaǔ.
In addition, the Readings are complemented by a small but engaging exhibition of Fr Nadson’s publications. His publishing work inspired, among others, the creation of the contemporary émigré publishing house Skaryna. Visitors can browse his books, articles, bulletins, and calendars — including those he personally typeset, arranged, designed, and printed in London — as well as some of his most significant interviews.
A memorial service in Belarusian will also be held at the Church of the Holy Trinity in the Basilian Monastery, led by Fr Siarhei Stasevič, using texts once translated by Fr Nadson himself.
As Ivonka Survilla aptly notes in her recollections, summarising both the meeting and the Readings as a whole, Fr Nadson had a unique gift — the ability to ‘quickly turn anyone into a Belarusianist’, a talent unmatched by any other Belarusian in exile. And as we can see, eleven years after his passing, Alexander Nadson continues to bring people together, to consolidate the community, and to inspire ever new generations of Belarusianists.”