House of Friendship of Astana hosted an exhibition dedicated to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Regaining Independence of the Republic of Poland with the support of the Embassy of Poland in Astana and Foundation "Help to East Poles".
The opening was attended by honorary guests: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland in Kazakhstan Selim Chazbijewicz, Archbishop-Metropolitan Archdiocese of the Sacred Virgin Mary in Astana Tomash Peta, Program Director of the Foundation "Help to East Poles" Magdalena Okay.
The solemn event in the House of Friendship was opened with the anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Poland.
Opening the exhibition, Ambassador of Poland in Astana Selim Chazbijewicz delivered a welcoming speech. He thanked all those present for their interest and emphasized the importance of the exhibition. The Ambassador drew attention to the fact that St. John Paul II and Vladislav Bukovinsky - whose fates were connected with the East, became teachers of freedom for future generations.
Pan Daniel Zatorski, a teacher of Polish Philology has arrived in Astana on exchange from Poland said that today Polish people of Astana celebrate the 100th anniversary of Regaining Independence of the Republic of Poland and on this occasion they gathered in the House of Friendship in Astana.
—This exhibition is dedicated to St. John Paul II and Wladyslaw Bukowinsky – Polish freedom advocates. John Paul II visited Kazakhstan in September 2001, he came here not only as the head of the Catholic Church, but as a man who fought for freedom. He was very warmly and hospitably welcomed.
Daniel Zatorski emphasized that today they will summarize what happened in 17 years after the arrival of St. John Paul II.
It should be noted that the exhibition has already been held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
As Magdalena Okay noted, the exhibition was organized by the Foundation "Help to East Poles" with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Astana. The exposition is presented by 12 stands: 10 replaced stands are devoted to St. John Paul II and two permanent stands – to the Polish priest Vladislav Bukovinsky repressed in the USSR and tell about activity of the ex-Pontiff and the Polish priest nicknamed the Apostle of Kazakhstan.
"It is very important that this exhibition is part of a large project. 2 weeks ago this exhibition was held in Vilnius, Lithuania. In a week we plan to hold an exhibition in Lviv (Ukraine). What unites three exhibitions is Vladislav Bukovinsky. Two stands with him will not change, " Director of the Foundation said.
In continuation of the event, a festive concert was held, where small performers sang a song “We are Poles” and “Pervomaika” ensemble. The guests enjoyed the dance "Oginsky Polonaise" and two songs in the Polish language by invited guest Katarzyna Heusy.
Every year, National Independence Day is celebrated in Poland in honor of the Declaration of independence from the rule of Germany, Russia and Austria in 1918. This day is officially declared a day off, and is accompanied by the raising of flags, speech of the President, officials, famous politicians and a military parade in the center of Warsaw. Solemn events, concerts and folk festivals are held throughout the country. Poles living in other countries also celebrate this holiday.
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Dana TUGAMBEKOVA
