belarusians.co.uk | Беларусы ў Вялікабрытаніі

This text was written in 2004 for the Belarusian Service of the Radio Liberty in Prague. As far as the editor is aware, the original text has not been published previously. Belarusian translation

You ask me about the most significant event in my life. The single most significant event happened in October 1953, when I was 17 years old. At that time, I regularly attended the local Catholic church – Christ the King  in north London-which was run by Benedictines.  At that time, the language of Roman – rite services was still Latin; but one of the monks was very keen that the young people of the parish should understand that ‘Catholic’ did not necessarily mean ‘Latin’. So he organised various events to teach us about other rites. He invited various priests to celebrate liturgy according to their own rites – I remember there was a Syrian, and a priest from the Malankara rite of India. Then, one day, he took a group of us to the Belarusian Catholic Mission, which is also in north London – about 6 km away. I remember being a little disappointed when our priest told us that, although the liturgy was the Byzantine rite, it would be in Old Slavonic, not Greek, because I had learned  some Greek at school. However, I thought, whatever language it is in, it will be interesting.

And, indeed, the other young people found it ‘interesting’. But for me, it was the beginning of a new life. When I walked into that beautiful little church I suddenly had a strange feeling that for the first time in my life, I was where I ought to be. I could not get the feeling out of my head, and a few weeks later, I went back again… and again…

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The Funeral Service is to take place on Monday, 4 January 2010, to commence at 2.30pm, at the Holy Family in Exile Ukrainian Catholic Church (Duke Street, Mayfair, London W1K 5BQ).

Following the funeral service in the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral on Monday next there will be a Celebration of Vera’s life and work at the Ukrainian Club, 154 Holland Park Avenue, London W11. Instructions on how to reach the Club from the Cathedral are given on the Order of Service sheet that will be distributed before the beginning of the service on Monday.

The Committal Service will take place on Tuesday, 5 January 2010, at 10.00am at St. Marylebone Crematorium (East End Road, Finchley, London, N2).

Flowers appropriate for Vera are acceptable, but donations are preferred and will be distributed to Vera’s designated charities or to assist cultural and educational projects on which she worked.

Enquiries in relation to the funeral of Faith Elizabeth Rich (known as Vera) should be directed to:
J.H. Kenyon, Funeral Directors
6, Woodhouse Road
North Finchley
London N12 ORG
Telephone number: +44 (0)208 445651

Issued by Jane Taylor (cousin) and Dr Alan Flowers (friend)

Сёньня стала вядома, што Вера Рыч – журналістка, паэт, перакладчыца і сябра многіх брытанскіх беларусаў, – адыйшла да вечнасьці. Вера памерла ў сваім ложку, магчыма, яшчэ ў нядзелю. Пра гэта нам паведаміў Сяргей Стасевіч, грэка-каталіцкі сьвятар у Лёндане. Вечная памяць.

Больш здымкаў

Памерла славутая ангельская перакладчыца Вера Рыч (Радыё Свабода)