Kiryl Turauski (also spelled:   (Kiryla) Kiryl of Turau (Turov)) (approximately 1130 - 1182) Kyril of Turau is one of the fifteen Saints of Belarus Illustration Credit: V.P. Stashchanuk in Adkyl' Nash Rod, by Uladzimir Arlov, Published by V. Batskaushchyna, Mensk, 1996; page 30.

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• From his entry in the Historical Dictionary of Belarus (Zaprudnik, 1998; p. 134):

  "Bishop of Turau (Turov) and a preacher celebrated for his eloquence and poetic language. He came from a rich family and was well educated. Early in his life, he became a monk and engaged in literary activity. Soon he gained fame as a powerful preacher. Several dozens of his prayers and homilies, copied by compilers of religious books in other countries, are extant."

• Kiryl of Turau is also one of the 15 Belarusian saints honored by the [Russian] Orthodox Church of Belarus, on the Day of Belarus' Saints, established in 1984. This holiday takes place on the first Sunday after Pentecost. (Historical Dictionary of Belarus; Zaprudnik, 1998; p. 192):

News Article: Contest Designs for a Monument to Belarusian Enlightener Kiryl Turauski, Kyril of Turau (Turov), Displayed in Homel

"An exhibition of designs for a monument to Kiryl Turauski, the Belarusian enlightener of the 12th century, opened in Homel (Gomel) on June 23 [2000]. The exhibition is part of a national contest announced by the Homel branch of the Belarusian Artists' Union."

"The idea of erecting a monument to Turauski in Homel has been welcomed by the local authorities. The contest jury is headed by Aleksandr Yakobson, chairman of the Homel City Executive Committee, and Valery Selitsky, chairman of the Homel Regional Soviet who also heads the regional Kiryl Turauski Society."

"The exhibition features 14 designs. The best of them, which may be finally accepted, is to be named by the jury on June 29. Its author is to receive prize money of 100,000 rubels. The monument is expected to be placed in Homel's central park."

"Kiryl Turauski lived in the middle of the 12th century (1130-1182) and became bishop of Turau (Turov) in about 1169. He was canonized by the Christian Church in Belarus as St. Cyril of Turau for the holiness of his life. It is for his beautifully composed prayers and religious hymns or canons, that Kiryl Turauski is chiefly remembered."

Source: BelaPAN, No. 108; Saturday, June 24, 2000; 6:00 p.m.

News Article: Contest of Designs for a Monument to Kiryl Turauski to be Erected in the Center of Homel Extended to September 1 [2000]

"The contest of designs for a monument to Belarusian enlightener Kiryl Turauski, which is to be erected in the center of Homel (Gomel), has been extended to September 1 [2000]. The decision was made on June 29 by the contest jury, which is headed by Aleksandr Yakobson, chairman of the Homel City Executive Committee, and Valery Selitsky, chairman of the Homel Regional Soviet who also heads the regional Kiryl Turauski Society."

"The jury had originally planned to name the winner on June 29, but its members managed to agree on none of the 14 authors participating in the contest and decided to prolong it. The jury selected the best five works. Their authors were offered to eliminate the shortcomings that were found by the jury. As Mr. Selitsky told BelaPAN, any of the sculptors can withdraw if he does not like this condition. . . ."

Source: BelaPAN, No. 131; Thursday, June 29, 2000; 8:10 p.m.