Yesterday, Monday the 20th of 2014, Jonas Trinkūnas passed away. Jonas Trikunas was the founder of modern Romuva. He was dedicated to his people, his faith, and his culture throughout his life. I am neither Lithuanian nor a practitioner of Romuva. However, his work in modern reconstructionist faiths is worthy of praise.
Lithuania was the last country in Europe to convert to Christanity and during its time as a pagan Grand Duchy it formed one of the largest realms in Europe. Though in the late 1300s, the country converted to Christianity. Jonas though worked to revive the ancient religion. As a reconstructionist, I look to my own country of Ireland but the story of Lithuania is one that has always captured my imagination.
Jonas is a man who was committed to his culture and his people. He was a true preserver of culture. He spent his time at the Vilnius University as a professor teaching and studying about his culture till the Soviet Authorities tried to stop that. He then set out to explore his country, listening to the folktales, songs and in general getting a sense of the folklore roots and culture that the soviets tried to stamp out. This is something in which as a Gaelic Polytheist, I can relate to. For England's treatment of Ireland is very comparable to what the Soviets were doing.
He was very committed to helping to revive and preserve the religion of his Ancestors. In addition to having the only english book about Romuva's traditions written up, he was also a musician and a member of the band Kūlgrinda. He helped support and was an active member of the World Council of Ethnic Religions which is now known as the European council of Ethnic Religions. Last Summer he was given the prestigious award of Order of the Grand Duke Gediminas from the President of Lithuania herself.
While I have never met the man, I live in America after all. Everything I have read about the man shows a man who despite being called krivis or supreme priest, remained humble and even shy. A gentle fellow, I do wish that I could have had the chance to meet him.
May he go to his Ancestors and Gods; and may his deeds be remembered.
No comments:
Post a Comment