The radzivills

Name, start, hit, pass, look.

 

13. Read these expressions and find their English equivalents in the text:

Тихие свидетели событий; парить подобно  белой птице; остаться невредимым чудесным образом; товары гродненских кузнецов, плавильщиков, гончаров, скорняков и портных; военная застава; одобрить раздел Речи Посполитой; шум проходящих телег и экипажей; иметь достаточно места для всех; разделять этническое наследие.

 

14. Read the text and get ready to speak about Grodno:

 

GRODNO: A GITY FULL OF HISTORY

Grodno is one of few Belarusian sities which w'ere lucky enough to stay not completely destroyed at the time of numerous wars devastating our land each cen-^ tury. Here one can still find quite a lot of architectural, monuments in different

styles; here you frequently stop in wonder arid admiration realizing that the walls around you are silent witnesses of the events that took place a thousand, five hundred or two hundred years ago.

Grodno (Garpdnya, Gora-dzen in the chronicles) was first mentioned in the Ipatievskaya chronicle in  1128. Throughout its history Grodno was a part of many states: the Galitsko-Volinsky Duchy, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Rzecz Pospolita and the Russian Empire, the BNR, the BSSR and the USSR.

Some of ancient Grodno constructions are significant proofs that there existed a local architectural school, which had no analogues in Eastern Europe. For the first time you realize this by Kolozhskaya Orthodox Church that stands on the precipitous bank of Neman. This church is the only existing monument of Grodno architectural school. There is nothing like it in the whole world — the church was built nine hundred years ago with pink and yellowish bricks that contain huge stones and green majolica. The inhabitants were the first to notice the following fact: when after the rain a sun ray falls on wet Kolozha, its walls, namely the green majolica, start sparkling with all rainbow colours. Unfortunately this building is not presented in its complete original form: in the 19th century Neman literary "ate" one of its walls and this wall was replaced by a wooden one.

Speaking about Grodno temples you cannot leave out a lantem-shaped Roman-Catholic Cathedral in the centre of the city. The magnificent baroque masterpiece of the 17th century hovers like a white bird above the Freedom Square — which was called the Old Market in the past. The statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, enclosed in the side niches near the church entrance, deserve special attention. They are silver coloured and produce the impression of metallic ones. In fact, they are made of wood, as old as the church itself and plated with a special mixture. The secret was known only to the local craftsmen.

One of the towers of the church has the oldest European working clock (after the Big Ben in London). It is three hundred years old. Before the World War II it crowned the old City Hall. When a bomb hit the building, the clock almost miraculously remained intact; it was fixed and put on the church tower. It still works and chimes every how and just as before, it needs to be wound up manually.

There is also the Bernardino Cathedral (in the Baroque style) in Grodno. Only the famous K6ln Cathedral took longer time to be erected. The construction of the temple began about six hundred years ago —- each knight upon his return from a war contributed something "off his horse hoof. "Hoofs" were few: the construction was finished only in the 19th century.

A favourable geographical position fostered the economic growth of the city. Goods of the Grodno blacksmiths, smelters, potters, leather-dressers and tailors proved their mastery. Active trade was held with other ancient cities of Pridneprovie, the Baltic States, and Poland. The citizens were literate. The city attracted attention of numerous conquerors, who considered the city a natural war outpost. In 10 — 13th centuries Grodno citizens repulsed the attacks of German knights and in 1410 they participated in the Gryunvald battle. Starting from 1376. during the Prince Vitovt's ruling, Grodno became the second capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and was granted the Magdeburg right.

In 1560, as a result of the Lublin Union, the city became a part of Rzecz Pospolita and in the 1580s, during the King Stefan Batoria's reign, Grodno practically became its capital, a royal residence, which could compete in beauty with the best European cities of that time. In 1673 every third Seym of Rzecz Pospolita was held in Grodno, which raised the political status of the city. It is here in Grodno, where in 1793 at the New Castle the so-called "silent" Seym took place, which approved the second partition of Rzecz Pospolita. It is here, where the last king of Rzecz Pospolita Stanislav August Ponyatovsky abdicated after an unsuccessful revolt.    

Among other Grodno sights one can name a street that belongs to almost all of Europe. Nowadays it is named after a famous writer Elisa Ozhechko who was so respected by the city dwellers that in the spring of 1910, when she was seriously ill, the street by her house was strewn with straw so that the noise of passing carts and carriages didn't disturb her. They did so in Catholic European cities to carry the Blessed Virgin's statue through the streets. So, the street where Elisa Ozhechko lived was once called the street of Luxury. Anthony Tyzhengauz, making use of his power as the headman in order to hasten the industrial development of the town, invited craftsmen from all around Europe. They accepted the invitation and having lived in the town for some time settled down and stayed, thus founding ; a street. They erected a Lutheran temple which is still there though not in service. The town, remaining a truly Belarusian one, always welcomed the represen- tatives of various nationalities and religious confessions. And no one ever felt tight in its sunny streets; there has always been enough room for everybody. And it is not accidental that Grodno became the capital of the Republican National Festival of Cultures. For several years representatives of various nationalities come to this town at the beginning of summer in order to share their ethnic heritage and show their respect for the spiritual legacy of the country that became their true home-  land. These days "the Neman Diamond" filled with colours, sounds, and smiles sparkles particularly brightly as any precious stone looked upon by many admiring and loving eyes.                                                                                              

 

15. Answer the following questions:

  1. When was Grodno mentioned in written documents for the first time? 2. Why can this city be called a lucky one compared with other Belarusian cities? 3. What architectural monument can be considered as a unique one among those situated in Grodno? 4. What architectural school was there in Grodno? 5. What temple is situated near the Freedom Square in Grodno? 6. What secret did the craftsmen use while building and decorating this temple? 7. What was added to one of the towers of the temple after the World War II? 8. What Grodno cathedral took the longest period of time to be built? 9. Are there any things that helped Grodno to develop its economy in the past? 10. Why did Grodno attract, attention of foreign knights? 11. When was Grodno granted the Magdeburg right? 12. Why was the political status of Grodno raised in the 17 ^th century? 13. Who was the last king of Rzecz Pospolita? 14. What do people call the street of Elisa Ozhechko in another way? 15. What international events take place in Grodno nowadays?

 

16. Agree or disagree with the following statements:

1. Grodno is practically a newly built city after the destructions of World War II. 2. Grodno was first mentioned in the Ipatievskaya chronicle in 1128. 3. The fact that Grodno had a unique architectural school has several proofs. 4. The walls of Kolozhskaya Orthodox Church are known to sparkle in the sun after rain.

5. Kolozhskaya Orthodox Church has been intact from the times of its foundation.

6. The Roman-Catholic Cathedral in the centre of the city is decorated with many metallic statues. 7. The place where the Roman-Catholic Cathedral is situated is known as the Old Market. 8. Nowadays the City Hall has one of the oldest European clocks. 9. The clock needs to be wound up manually. 10. The construction of the Bernardine Cathedral took about 5 centuries. 11. The quick economic development of the town in the past was fostered by a favourable geographical position. 12. Grodno traded in many goods with different European countries. 13. The Gryunvald battle didn't touch the lives of Grodno citizens in any way.. 14. During the Prince Vitovt's ruling, Grodno became the second capital of the Grand-Duchy of Lithuania. 15. In the 16th century the political status of Grodno was raised after it had become a royal residence. 16. The street of Luxury is a famous Grodno gambling area. 17. The town has temples and churches for the representatives of various nationalities and religious confessions. 18. The beginning of spring is the time of the Republican National Festival of Cultures held in Grodno.

 

17. Put the right prepositions where necessary:

1. ... Grodno you frequently stop ... wonder and admiration realizing that the walls around you.are silent witnesses ... the events that took place many years ago. 2. Grodno was first mentioned ... the Ipatievskaya chronicle ... 1128. 3.  Kolohskaya Orthodox Church   stands ... the precipitous bank ... Neman. 4.  When ... the rain a sun ray falls ... wet Kolozha, its walls, namely the green majolica, start sparkling ... all rainbow colours. 5. ... the 19th century Neman literary "ate" one ... Kolozha walls and this wall was replaced ... a wooden one. 6. The magnificent baroque masterpiece ... the 17th century hovers like a white bird ... the Freedom Square. 7. Grodno could compete ... beauty ... the best European cities of the 16-17 ^th centuries.

 

 

18. Choose a word from the box to put into each gap:

1. Grodno architectural school had no ... in Eastern Europe. 2. The Roman-Catholic Cathedral ... like a white bird above the Freedom Square. 3. The clock on one of the towers of the Roman-Catholic Cathedral ... every hour and needs to be wound up manually. 4. The city attracted attention of numerous conquerors, who considered the city a natural war ... . 5. In 1673 every third Seym of Rzecz Pospolita was held in (Grodno and it noticeably ... the political status of the city. 6. Elisa Ozhechko was very much respected by the city ... .7. Anthony Tyzhen- gauz wanted ... the industrial development of the town and invited craftsmen from all around Europe to Grodno. 

 

to hasten, outpost, hovers, analogues, chimes, dwellers, raised

                                                                       

19. Fill in the table: 

1128
11 century
17 th century
1376
1410
1560
1673
1793
1910

   

20. Work in groups. Find out from your partners:

— what they know about Grodno architectural school;

— what they know about the political status of Grodno in the past;

— what monuments one can see in Grodno.

 

 

21. Prove that:

— the geographical position of the towrj influenced its economical development;

— Grodno is a city full of history.

 

22. Comment on:

— the important historical events of the Belarusian history which either took place in Grodno or were realized with the help of Grodno citizens;

— the second name of Grodno "the Neman Diamond".

 

23. Imagine that:                           

— You are going to visit your friend who lives in Grodno. You want to see as many sights as possible. You ask your friend about these places. Role-play a dialogue with your partner.

— You have just visited Grodno. You come to school and your classmates want to ask you about your impressions. Share-your memories with your friends and tell them about the most interesting things you have seen. Role-play a dialogue with your partners.

— You have to write an essay on some of the most important events from the Belarusian history. You go to the library and ask for information. The librarian recommends you a book about Grodno history. You decide together what events you can choose to write about. Role-play a dialogue with your partner.

— You are collecting the facts for your own book-of records related to Belarus. Discuss with your friend what facts from the history of Grodno can be useful for you. Role-play a dialogue with your partner.

 

24. Comprehension check. Choose the best alternative according to the text:

1. Among other ancient towns of Belarus Grodno is special because

a) of the number of its sights;

b) it was lucky to stay practically intact during numerous wars and to save its heritage;

c) it belonged to different states during its history.

 

2.  Grodno was first mentioned in the Ipatievskaya chronicle

a) in 1128;

b) in 1218;

c) in 1129.

 

3. Kolozhskaya Orthodox Church is known all over Belarus and even outside it because

a) it is the only example of the exceptional Grodno architectural school;

b) it has three stone walls and a wooden oae:

c) it is a monument of the 11^th century.

 

4.  The originality of Kolozhskaya Orthodox Church can be seen

a) in any weather;

b) only in sunny weather;

c) only after some rain.

 

5. In the centre ofthe city you can find .

a) the Roman-Catholic Cathedral decorated with the statues of St. Peter att| St. Paul;

b) the Old Market;

c) an art school of local craftsmen.

 

6. But for its unique architectural school, Grodno had

a) ancient traditions in cloth weaving;   

b) a school of icon painting;

c) s school of processing wood so that it looked like metal.

 

7. Nowadays the famous Grodno clock decorates

a) the City Hall;

b) one of the towers of the Roman-Catholic Cathedral;

c) Kolozhskaya Orthodox Church

 

8.  The clock was

a) partially destroyed during the Patriotic War of 1812;

b) miraculously not destroyed by a bomb during the World War II;

c) repaired several times during its history.

 

9.  The Bernardine Cathedral in Grodno can be added to unique architectural monuments thanks to

a) its docor which is very close to that of the Kuln Cathedral;

b) the fact that Grodno knights built it themselves;

c) the long period of its construction which took about 5 centuries.

 

10.  In 10-13 ^th centuries Grodno was attacked several times by German knights

because

a) it was an important war outpost and opened the way to further seizure;

b) the town was very rich;

c) it was the most developed town of those days.

 

11.  Vitoyt's reign in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was very important for Grodno because

a) he rebuilt the town;

b) he improved the economical position of the town;

c) it became the second capital of the state during those times.

 

12.  Durirtg the times of Rzecz Pospolita Grodno

a) was in desolation;

b) added much to its grandeur and was a royal residence;

c) didn't see any special changes in its life.

 

13. Nowadays the so-called "silent" Seym of 1793 is known as the date

a) of Stanislav August Ponyatovsky's abdication;

b) of the second partition of Rzecz Pospolita;

c) of the first partition of Rzecz Pospolita.

 

14.  The street where El is a Ozhechko lived was once called

a) the Street of Luxury;

b) the Street of Abundance;                     .

c) the Street of Foreigners.

 

15. Today Grodno welcomes the representatives of different religions and confessions because

a) it is historically a multinational city;

b) Grodno is a centre of cultural life of our country;

c) the Republican National Festival of Cultures is held there.

 

UNIT XXV

OUR GREAT COUNTRYMAN: MARK CHAGALL

 

1. Listen to the following words and remember their meaning:

The Commissioner on the problems of art — уполномоченный по делам скусства;

the first State Exhibition of local and Moscow artists — первая осударственная выставка местных и московских художников;

the Great October Revolution — Великая Октябрьская революция.

 

2. Practise saying the following proper names.

IegudaPen	[ia'guida'pen]	Иегуда Пен
Bella Rosenfeld	["befe 'rsuzenfald]	Белла Розенфелд
Sen-Pol-de-Vense	[,senpD;ld3'va:ns]	Сен-Поль- де-Ванс

 

3. Read these international words and try to guess their meaning:

Student, franc, address, professor, cafe, fantasy, grimace, humour, moment.

 

4. Read out the following words and memorize their meaning:

 

countryman (n)	['клШптэп]	земляк, соотечественник
gain (v)	[gein]	приобретать
jeweller (n)	['фи:э1э]	торговец драгоценностями
scholarship (n)	['sksbfip ]	стипендия
grant (v)	[grcunt]	выделять, назначать
penetrate (v)	['penitreitj	проникать
mad (adj)	[maed]	сумасшедшие безумный
celebrity (n)	[si'lebrati]	знаменитость
connoisseur (n)	[^копэ'вз:]	знаток
dweller (n)	['dweb]	житель, обитатель
cardboard (n)	['kcudbcxd]	картон
withdraw (v)	[wid'dror]	изымать
appoint (v)	[э' point]	назначать