Belarusian leader warns of fading native language in sacred traditions

From gravestones to prayers, a once-vibrant language is vanishing. One leader's plea to reclaim Belarus's linguistic soul before it's too late.

, and Administrator

2026 April 20 . 10:06 PM

1 min read

The image shows an old map of the city of Minsk, Belarus, with text written on it. The map is... — The image shows an old map of the city of Minsk, Belarus, with text written on it. The map is detailed, showing the streets, buildings, and other landmarks of the area. The text on the map provides additional information about the city, such as its population, location, and history.

Belarusian leader warns of fading native language in sacred traditions

What Language Do Belarusians Use to Address God?

Opposition leader Nikolai Statkevich addressed his compatriots on the eve of Radunitsa, the traditional Belarusian day of remembrance.

"Tomorrow, Belarusians will go to cemeteries to honor the memory of their departed loved ones," the politician wrote in his Telegram channel. "But why are the inscriptions on nearly all Belarusian graves written only in a foreign language? Has God forgotten our people? Or do our dead fear suspicion of foul deeds if their names are carved in that 'suspiciously nationalist' language? The dead have nothing left to fear. Or is it us who are afraid? We don't even pray to God in our own language. Is that too dangerous as well?

Don't believe those who tell you that church prayers and services are held in 'Old Church Slavonic.' In reality, they are conducted in the Moscow dialect of the mid-17th century—the very language spoken by the Muscovite troops who later invaded our land and wiped out more than half of our people. If we keep proving to God, in every way we can, that we do not exist, then we truly will cease to exist."