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A moving performance by soprano Viktorija Bedalyte, accompanied by prof. Renata Marcinkute Lesieur (piano) followed the book presentation. Afterwards, the guests were invited to see an exhibit on dr. Joseph P. Kazickas’ life and share a cup of coffee.

The idea to translate the “Oddysey of Hope” book to Russian was suggested by the community of Chornaya Padina, a tiny village in the Russian steppes. The village was the birthplace of dr. Joseph P. Kazickas, where his family together with many more was exiled from Lithuania following the Insurrection of 1863. Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas stayed deeply committed to this place for the rest of his life, therefore the Kazickas Family Foundation was glad to translate the book and share it with the community. In addition, a number of copies of the book were gifted to the youth of Lithuanian descent from Eastern Neighborhood countries, who came to Lithuania to participate in a program by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania in autumn of 2019.

On February 15th, the book presentation event at the Literary museum of A. Pushkin was opened with a welcoming speech by the principle custodian of the museum’s funds Ruta Vizbaraite - Zaborovskiene. She was glad that the presentation of the Russian edition of the book was taking place at the Literary museum of A. Pushkin and also on a very symbolic date - the weekend of the Lithuanian Independence Day. “Joseph Kazickas was truly a cosmopolitan person. His memory and life story reminds us that nations and races should live together without borders, should live in peace and friendship”- said R. Vizbaraite - Zaborovskiene.

Thanking the museum for friendship and cooperation, Vilnius office director of the Kazickas Family Foundation Agne Vertelkaite also addressed the audience: “Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas cared deeply for his family, his roots, Lithuania and its independence. Being a visionary man, he established the Kazickas Family Foundation which continues his work, connecting people and communities, working for the betterment of Lithuania and the whole world. The foundation which is now presided over by Jurate Kazickas, the daughter of dr. Joseph P. Kazickas, makes sure that the values, visions and work of this honorable man are long-lasting, putting best efforts to create an even better tomorrow”.

The presenter of the event, museologist A. Archipova began the book presentation by noting that this year we are commemorating the 100th birthday of Alexandra Kazickas. She went on to present the key themes of the book, the unique life story of Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas and Alexandra Kazickas, including their love for each other. The museologist translated and read excerpts from their love letters, which are not published in Russian yet.

The presentation of the Russian edition of “Odyssey of Hope” was crowned with a beautiful performance by soprano Viktorija Bedalyte. She sang in Russian and Italian, including F. Schubert’s “Ave Maria”, which was one of Alexandra Kazickas’ favorite songs. Viktorija Bedalyte was accompanied by prof. Renata Marcinkute Lesieur (piano), who is a dear friend of the family and the art director of the long time supported “Sacred Music Hours” festival.

After the official part of the event was over, the guests were invited to see the exhibit on Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas’ life and have a cup of coffee. The exhibit will be open at the Literary museum of A. Pushkin until February 28th.