Penza, 4 July 2014. PenzaNews. Official celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Mikhail Lermontov started in Penza on Friday, July 4.

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In the square bearing the name of the poet a celebratory rally took place. It was opened by a prologue “Dear places all around me...” with the participation of municipal choreographic ensemble “Zorenka.”

Then the audience was greeted by the governor of the Penza region Vasily Bochkarev.

“Lermontov was not born in the land of Penza. But he learned how to walk, talk, write and paint here,” the head of the region said.

He also thanked all those who contributed to the revival of the estate “Tarkhany,” where the poet's grandmother lived.

“It was in disrepair, but has become one of the best estates-museums in Russia,” the governor said.

Among the honored guests who came to the celebration, the residents and visitors of Penza were complimented on the anniversary by the Deputy Culture Minister Elena Milovzorova.

“For every nation, in every era there is a hero of the time. But there are those that are timeless, and Mikhail Lermontov is a striking confirmation of this. He is not just a poet. He was young, but loved his homeland. It is fine that today we honor his memory, we read and love his poems, honor the cultural heritage that he left for us,” she said.

Also a famous Russian actor Andrei Sokolov presented at the ceremonial meeting.

“I am happy that there is such a great reason to visit Penza. 200 years id not so much for eternity. Lermontov lived a bright life. His poems are heart breaking. When I tried to enter Shchukin Theater School, the professor said there was not much passion in my speech and he proposed “Mtsyri,” he shared his memories.

Andrei Sokolov added that it was 20 years ago, but the charge received from the work of Mikhail Lermontov helped him during his life.

After the official part, the ceremony of laying flowers at the bust of the poet was held, then a special ceremony of cancellation of stamps dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the birth of Mikhail Lermontov took place.