...In the courtyard of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy stands an 18th-century sundial, which I often stop by when passing through. It is impossible not to admire it. There is something playful in its 'hat' and mushroom-like stance. Most importantly, it shows the time impartially and impeccably accurately. It reminds of the fleeting and the eternal. And it cannot be stopped or turned off," — with these words, Volodymyr Panchenko invites the reader on a journey through Ukraine in the preface to his book "Sundial."

Passing by this sundial almost daily, we gratefully remember the guidance of the Ukrainian writer and literary scholar who tirelessly worked for the benefit of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and Ukraine for many years.

Volodymyr Panchenko loved to travel and explored the lands of our country, paying special attention to the stories and fates of people who lived in different times. In doing so, he felt, as he said, a connection to another life — one that has passed, moved into the past, leaving behind sometimes barely visible signs.

Always remember his advice: "If you are tired of the hustle and bustle, if, weary of everyday life or the absurdity around you, you let sadness and anxiety into your heart, — set out on the road! The road beckons with 'the thirst for vision and knowledge,' offering the opportunity for a deeper understanding of yourself as a descendant of those who lived here a hundred or even a thousand years earlier."

In conversations with other travelers, Volodymyr Panchenko called himself a "free electrician." When asked what exactly he did, he replied: "I screw in light bulbs. Only I don't serve anywhere. I'm just a free electrician. If it's dark somewhere — I try to screw in light bulbs..."

On December 19, as part of the Days of Essay Writing, we remembered the life and work of this outstanding literary scholar, sharing stories about Panchenko as a teacher, politician, writer, manager, colleague, and friend.

Volodymyr lived in books, was interested in people, and as an essayist — placed the word first and had a fantastic ability to tell interesting stories. He was also distinguished by a thirst for knowledge and something new — he dedicated his life to creating a cultural map of Ukraine and restoring places of historical memory.

Ultimately, Volodymyr Panchenko was right in "Sundial" — time cannot be stopped or turned off, yet by studying a person's history, his story — one can touch something great and eternal.

"First the word — and then everything else." An evening in memory of Volodymyr Panchenko took place as part of the Days of Essay Writing