On October 28, 2023, with the aim of patriotic education and introducing students to the study of the historical and cultural heritage of Belarus, an excursion was organized to the Khatyn Memorial Complex - the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War - the National Library of Belarus - the Memorial Church in honor of All Saints.

The excursion began with a visit to the Khatyn State Memorial Complex, where VSMU students, led by the Vice-Rector for Educational Work Natalya Boltrushevich, honored the memory of the victims of fascism and laid a wreath and flowers from the students and university staff.

The next point on the excursion route was the National Library of Belarus (“Diamond of Knowledge”), the largest information and sociocultural center of the country, which combines high technology, modern design and unusual architecture.

The VSMU delegation had a fascinating tour of the library, but the most striking moments were the visit to the Observation Deck with a magnificent view of the capital and the Book Museum, where more than 300 unique book monuments are presented.

The 2nd year student of the Faculty of Dentistry Elizaveta Gritseva shared her impressions of visiting the “Diamond of Knowledge”: “How beautiful Minsk is in autumn leaves, but the library rises especially beautifully against the backdrop of a light haze. Glass floors and ceilings, huge shelves with books, paintings made in various techniques attracted my attention. As I think back to the moments of the tour of this majestic building, I remember the words of the French writer Denis Diderot: “People stop thinking when they stop reading.”

At the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War VSMU students plunged into the atmosphere of past years.

In the museum you can see over 8 thousand exhibits telling about the history of the Great Patriotic War. In total, the funds contain about 145 thousand rarities collected during hostilities in Eastern Europe and Germany, as well as transferred by embassies of different countries in peacetime. Military rarities comprise 28 collections and are exhibited in 10 thematic halls.

 “A vivid panorama of military events opened before us. Documents and personal belongings of soldiers, medications, instruments of orderlies and doctors told us about the heroes who brought Victory closer. How important is the feat of military doctors, who had great responsibility, responsibility for the most precious thing a person has - life and health,” Natalya Boltrushevich, vice-rector for educational work, emphasized in her story.

A wonderful end to the excursion day was a visit to the memorial church in honor of All Saints. The temple amazes with its grandeur and beauty, unites the past and present, and points to the right direction to the future. In the crypt of the temple (lower altar part) the earth from the sites of historical battles and burials of Belarusians “who served our Fatherland” is collected.

Students and staff express gratitude to the rector of the university Alexey Chukanov for the opportunity to go on such an exciting journey.

Travel and explore Belarus with us!