Friends!

Today is the birthday of the first historian of Ukrainian literary language, educator and social activist Paul Zhytetsky!

Exactly 180 years ago, he was born in Kremenchug in the family of priest. Later, he entered the Poltava Theological Seminary, and later studied at the Kiev Theological Academy and the University of Kiev. He was a talented writer, wrote in Ukrainian. In an article entitled "Russian patriotism" he insisted on the viability of an independent Ukrainian literature and culture.

And at home fighter was not appreciated. In Kiev university, they refused to provide him with the chair, but he was invited to St. Petersburg. For several years, he has been teaching at the university. For outstanding achievements in the field of philology Petersburg Academy of Sciences elected Paul Ignatievitch as corresponding member. In Kiev, he became a doctor just a few months before his death. A well-known journalist Sergei Yefremov wrote about this: "it was too late: he left his forces for everyday fight with disagreements."

Zhytetsky had a really difficult life. He was an active member of Ukrainian political movements, a member of Kiev "Community". It was the organization of Ukrainian intelligentsia, engaged in social, cultural and educational activities. Its work was banned by Ems decree. Such figures as Vladimir Antonovich, Thaddeus Rila, Mykola Lysenko, Michael Chubynsky and Paul Starytsky worked there. Pavlo also wrote to "Kievan antiquity."

Paul Zhytetsky was called "grand master of philology." People said he was very lively and sensitive citizen, loved his homeland. He was rooting for Ukraine so that all disagreements that have experienced a country he passed through himself. He wanted all to understand the peculiarities of Ukrainian folklore and spelling.

He was the first historian of the Ukrainian language and wrote more than 30 works. Among them, "Essay on the history of Ukrainian literary language in the XVII century.", "On the Ukrainian People's Council" and others.

In May 1909 Paul Zhytetsky was impressed by stroke. He completely lost his mobility, his bright mind was stuck in sick body. After that Paul Gnatovych lived for almost two years. Prominent Ukrainian is buried in Baikove cemetery in Kyiv.

Friends, remember people like Paul Zhytetsky - faithful to his people, devoted to science patriots who are willing to constantly work for improvement at home.