Stanislovas Rapalionis

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Stanislovas Rapalionis (Latin: Stanislaus Rapagellanus or Stanislaus Lituanus; 1485 – 1545) was a founder of the first Lithuanian language school in Vilnius, a professor of theology in Königsberg Albertina University, and the first translator of the Bible into Lithuanian, although this translation has not survived.[1]

Rapalionis was a Lithuanian noble born near Eišiškės. After becoming a student of Martin Luther, he was persecuted for his Lutheran beliefs by Grand Duke Sigismund Augustus and left the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. He received his doctoral thesis in Wittenberg with a scholarship sponsored by Albert, Duke of Prussia.

Rapalionis was the first professor of theology at the Königsberg seminary, the predecessor of the Albertina University, where he quickly grew famous for his lectures.[1] The lectures of Rapalionis were attended by prominent members of the Prussian establishment, including Albert.[2]

After Rapalionis died in Königsberg, Albert ordered his body entombed in Königsberg Cathedral. The inscription "Here lies a great man, the pride of the Lithuanian nation." was inscribed on his tomb.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Slavėnas, M. G. (1997). "The Protestant minority churches in Lithuania 1919-1940". Lituanus 43 (1). 
  2. ^ a b Zinkevičius, Zigmas (1993). Rytų Lietuva praeityje ir dabar. Vilnius: Mokslo ir enciklopedijų leidykla, p.80. ISBN 5-420-01085-2. 
  • Bense, Gertrud: "Zum regionalen und personalen Umfeld des früheren preußisch-litauischen Schrifttums". In: Annaberger Annalen 4 (1996), Seite 55-67[1] (German)
  • Eugenija Ulčinaitė, Juozas Tumelis. Stanislovas Rapolionis. -Vilnius, 1986. (Lithuanian)
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