>>News Homepage

January 9, 2004

By Michael A. Dimitri

What does the title of this article mean to you? The literal translation may  be something like "a patriotic act" or "work done on behalf of your people.

Neither translation, however, produces the full impact of the expression. A  narodno delo is something you do on behalf of your people, but it is something you do out of selfless love and without thought to your own well  being in the same way a parent does anything for his/her child. For example, I doubt any parents think to themselves, "Should I feed my child today? Should I hug him?" It is an automatic response to the love we feel for our children. By the same token a narodno delo is something you do for your people without question or hesitation. It may even be something you are already doing without realizing it.

On the other hand, no matter how good a parent we believe we are, we still  question at times if we are doing enough and doing what is right to raise our children. The same could be said for our role as Macedonians. Are we  doing what is right and are we doing enough for Macedonia and other Macedonians? Some ways of reviewing your own narodno delo follow.

Record your family history. Nothing is more interesting than eyewitness,  personal experiences. They enliven history and help us to see the human side of events. It is also through a family narration that we can learn personal  points of view and nuances of language like expressions, idioms, colloquialisms that are typically not found in textbooks. It is easy to write or tape by cassette or video your own family history. Chances are  there is someone in your family already who would like to record this information.

Speak out about your life and views as a Macedonian. Often as a writer I am sought out by Macedonians who tell me fantastic stories about their lives, but then say, "Please don't tell anyone I told you this." Although I respect  their wishes, I also feel that we are losing a lot by not sharing this information with one another and the rest of the world. A friend of mine who is an American priest in a largely Macedonian Orthodox Church often chastises the Macedonians for not singing the liturgy out loud. I try to explain to him that for a few generations it could be fatal to do so and that I think many Macedonians (as well as other ethnic groups) were originally afraid for their lives and those of their families to celebrate their own faith openly. However, I find myself agreeing with him that in North America and nearly every other part of the world, they have nothing to fear. This learned helplessness must be overcome. We Macedonians have a wonderful history and a beautiful culture that will not be appreciated or respected by the rest of the world if it is not shared.

Use your expertise wherever it may be helpful or needed. If you are good with computers, teach other Macedonians to use one or establish websites and other sources of information. If you speak, read and write Macedonian well, teach others. (I recently received 5 letters from children ranging in age from 12-16 that were beautifully written in Macedonian. When I asked how they learned, they said their parents and grandparents taught them!) Whatever you are good at, share.

Whenever I attend a Macedonian event, I am always amazed at the number of  successful Macedonians I see. Doctors, lawyers, business owners, teachers, etc. fill the room. More must be done to create professional organizations where Macedonians can meet and network to help one another out. Those of us who have established ourselves in our careers must also reach out to help those who are beginning theirs to make the path a bit easier for them than it was for us.

This would include establishing scholarships, foundations, and other organizations, which can help those of our community in need. Educate yourself and your family. Teach and practice the Macedonian language and culture with them. Learn a relevant foreign language so that you can read the original sources of our history (i.e., I studied Latin in college mostly for this reason). Read everything written about Macedonia and Macedonians. Keep questioning statements made about Macedonia and the Macedonians. Accept no idea or theory without question. Be watchful of the media and our governing officials. When something is said or written that is negative or inaccurate regarding Macedonia and/or the Macedonians, contact the source and politely request a retraction or correction. Become a source of advice or information for them.

Of course I know that many of the above suggestions have been done by many Macedonians for some time. It is good, however, to occasionally rethink our priorities. What is your narodno delo?

Michael A. Dimitri is an author and lecturer, a specialist on the ancient Macedonians.