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Background information About the Skaryna Libray in London, and a mention of Fr. Alexander Nadson (by Guy De Picarda; 1997). Also see Fr. Nadson's article about Bishop Ceslaus Sipovich (PDF format, book-length [168 pp.], 2006).
Twenty times four - this is a noble age!
Recall we first his priesthood, mark his sage
Earnest translator of God’s word, each page
Note too his authorship of works that cage
Recall his library work, ever engaged
Delight we then to know time’s equipage
On such a day our joy is deep as ocean!
For he has played great roles upon life’s stage!
And soul-inspiring counsels, his devotion
Life-long (four twenties is a noble age)!
Xerographed…. Liturgy in Belarusian!
(Ah, this was a great role upon life’s stage!)
Details of history in words well chosen.
(Exult: four twenties is a noble age!)
New books and old to gather in profusion…
(A splendid role to play upon life’s stage)
Still bears him onward with a steady motion!
Oh, four times twenty is a noble age!
Note well the roles he still plays on life’s stage!
[ 2006 © Vera Rich ]
Charter 97: Father Alyaksandr Nadsan turns 80
Father Alyaksandr Nadsan turns 80 14:03, 08/08/2006On August 8, 2006, Father Alyaksandr Nadsan, the head of the Francysk Skaryna Belarusian library-museum, an Apostolic Visitor for Belarusian Catholics abroad, an influential and profound comprehensive scientist, turns 80.
Father Alyaksandr was born on August 8, 1926, in Western Belarus, in the settlement of Haradzeya (now Nyasvizh district, Minsk region). In Spring 1944, he finished Nyasvizh teacher-training seminary, and in a few weeks together with cadets of Minsk officer school of the BKA (Belaruskaja Krajovaja Abarona) had to leave his Motherland. Since autumn 1944, he was a soldier of the Polish II Corps of the British Military Forces.
In 1946, soldiers of the corps were evacuated from Apennines to Britain. Alyaksandr Nadsan took part in the foundation of the main national organization, the Association of Belarusians in Great Britain. He was the chairman of the Association of Belarusians in Great Britain for two terms (1951-1953). In 1953, after he graduated from the mathematics faculty of London University, he went to Rome and finished a legendary Greek Collegium (school of theology for Catholics of Eastern rite).
On November 23, 1958, Alyaksandr Nadsan became a priest. In July, 1959, he returned to London to serve to his people. And this service has lasted for 47 years already, the newspaper Nasha Niva writes.
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