We cordially invite you to the opening of the exhibition “The Original Edition of K. Sirvydas’ Sermons on Life – Punkty kazań od Adwentu aż do Postu (Punktay sakimu…, 1629)”, which will take place on September 20 at 4:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Anykščiai (Vilniaus St. 36).
The event will feature professor Bonifacas Stundžia. The exhibition will showcase the original copy of K. Sirvydas’ “Punktai sakymų” from the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore.
Konstantinas Sirvydas – priest, jesuit, and the foremost expert on the Lithuanian language of the 17th century – gave us many words still used in everyday Lithuanian, such as kupranugaris (camel), medvilnė (cotton), mąstytojas (thinker), virtuvė (kitchen), rodyklė (arrow/indicator), rūbinė (cloakroom), spaustuvė (printing house), pardavėjas (seller), mokytojas (teacher), and taisyklė (rule).
Sirvydas’ dictionary was the only printed Lithuanian dictionary available in Lithuania until the late 19th century. It served as the primary resource for learning Lithuanian. In the 18th century, it played a major role in reducing loanwords in Lithuanian writing. With the cultural revival of the early 19th century and renewed efforts to cultivate a literary language, Sirvydas’ dictionary was especially valued and became a key source for writers learning the language.
Among his religious writings, the most important is Punktai sakymų – a collection of original abbreviated sermons. The first part was published in 1629, and the second in 1644, after his death.
In “Punktai sakymų”, Sirvydas’ main aim was to spread Catholicism and counter the Reformation. All of his ideas were tied to faith. He relied heavily on the Bible, interpreting it and uncovering its hidden meanings.
We warmly invite you to come and see the exhibition! It will run until October 9.
Organizers: Anykščiai Arts Center, “Kultūros atodangos”
Supporters: Anykščiai District Municipality, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania
Media partners: regional news portal www.anyksta.lt and newspaper „Anykšta“
Partners: Lithuanian National Museum of Art, Vilnius University, Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore, Church of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist in Anykščiai
Designer: Loreta Uzdraitė