In Vitebsk, the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus led a divine service and congratulated the parishioners on the feast of the Annunciation

On April 7, Orthodox believers celebrate the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. In a 12th-century church in Vitebsk, named in honor of this most important Christian holiday, the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Metropolitan Benjamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, conducted a divine service.

The visit of the head of the Belarusian Orthodox Church to the northern capital on this significant day has become a good tradition. The hierarch was met at the church by believers and clergy with flowers and bread and salt. Despite the sudden snowstorm that hit the city, there were many people. The Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, and the head of the regional council of deputies, Dmitry Demidov, took part in the divine service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since ancient times, Orthodox believers have revered the Annunciation as one of the 12 major holidays of the religious calendar and believe that on this day, the Lord hears their prayers and fulfills all their requests. According to the folk calendar, April 7 is associated with the arrival of spring and the awakening of the vital forces of nature.

During the liturgy, the Patriarchal Exarch reminded the parishioners of the biblical tradition of the holiday. The Gospel of Luke states that on this April day, the Archangel Gabriel brought the Virgin Mary the good news of her conception of the Son of God, saying: "Rejoice, O highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" And the Angel announced: "...for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– In our time, when spiritual and moral boundaries are becoming blurred, it is very important to cultivate within ourselves the qualities that the Virgin Mary possessed: purity, chastity, and modesty. The good news brought by the Mother of God is a message to all humanity that the Lord loves people and cares for them, striving to bestow His mercies upon us. And those who are ready to receive these bounties, receive them. People in the modern world greatly need God's help in their labors and concerns. Therefore, let us live by the example of the Mother of God and through her turn to God, – noted Vladyka Veniamin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– Despite the inclement weather, on this holiday, I experience inexpressible feelings of joy, kindness, and warmth. For the sake of these bright feelings, one wants to come to church. This is not my first time participating in the Annunciation service in Vitebsk, and it is especially gratifying to realize that on this day we are visited by the Primate of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, whose visits are very important for the region, – emphasized Alexander Subbotin.

After the liturgy, to the ringing of bells, Vladyka Veniamin, together with Archbishop Dmitry of Vitebsk and Orsha and representatives of the regional leadership, congratulated everyone present on the bright holiday and released snow-white doves into the sky. This tradition signifies the good news and freedom that Jesus granted to people, and also symbolizes the Holy Spirit, depicted in the Holy Scripture in the form of a dove.

"Vitebskiye Vesti"