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"On Point"
MINSK, 2 February (BelTA) - What motivated Euphrosyne of Polotsk to enter a monastery? Modern experts’ theories have been presented in the latest episode of the V Teme. Nashi [On Point. The Nation’s Pride] project on BelTA’s YouTube channel.
Influencer, film scholar, artist, and blogger Kseniya Leshchinskaya noted that one cannot dismiss the factor of an unwanted marriage in Euphrosyne of Polotsk’s decision to secretly enter a monastery against her parents’ wishes. “Yes, it is a story constructed very well from a dramatic standpoint. A bride fleeing an unwanted groom. But at the same time, we can also speak of a desire for freedom. Entering a monastery is not the same as, for example, running off with hippies in the 1980s. It is more about a spiritual path,” she explained.
According to Kseniya Leshchinskaya, over many centuries, the story of Euphrosyne of Polotsk has acquired elements of mythology and dramatization. “Therefore, on the one hand, the decision to enter a monastery might have been dictated by a reluctance to marry; on the other hand, by a striving to choose her own path. It is quite possible there were also some family circumstances at play,” she emphasized.
Tour guide Sofia Macharashvili confirmed that for that historical period, marriages for girls of that age were not uncommon. She also drew a parallel with the story of Polish Queen Jadwiga (reigned from 1384 to 1399, daughter of King Louis I of Hungary and Poland), who was given in marriage at the age of 13. “King Uladzislau II Yahaila (Prince of Vitebsk, Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1377-1381 and 1382-1392, King of Poland from 1386 to 1434 under the name Władysław II Jagiełło) was 36, and she was 13. And for the crown, for maintaining power, heirs were needed because the lineage had to continue. And she was given in marriage. Who asked for her opinion? She cried day and night, but she became his lawful wife. However, the Lord did not bless them with children. But that is another story,” she said.
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