Hundreds of parishioners gathered at the Holy Assumption Cathedral in Vitebsk for the Christmas service
Many believers came to churches to celebrate the greatest holiday, which for an Orthodox Christian is the second most important after Easter. Together with the Christmastide, it is called the best time for good deeds. The celebrations in the Holy Assumption Cathedral of Vitebsk on January 7 were led by Archbishop Dmitry of Vitebsk and Orsha. Christmas messages from the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, as well as from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', were read out.
Archbishop Dmitry of Vitebsk and Orsha congratulated the parishioners on the bright holiday of mercy and kindness, which brings a special feeling of joy, hope, and signifies eternity.
Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin, Chairman of the City Executive Committee Alexey Geroev, and other officials came to congratulate the clergy and parishioners at the church.
The head of the northern region presented Archbishop Dmitry of Vitebsk and Orsha with a bouquet of white roses and addressed the attendees with congratulations, wishing them peace and grace.
– Merry Christmas to all of us. Such magical festive days of a snowy winter are pleasing to the eye, it is pleasant to walk in the parks, see the city and go beyond its limits. I want to wish all of us health, happiness, God's grace, and peace. May this star, which lit up tonight and led the Magi to the birth of Christ, be our own, shine and show the way where we need to go this year, – Alexander Subbotin addressed the parishioners.
Archbishop Dmitry of Vitebsk and Orsha reminded of the importance of observing God's commandments, honoring father and mother, and one's roots. To adopt much from grandfathers and grandmothers, who have gone through their life path and always lovingly pass on their experience to their children.
– We are reading the Bible together. The Bible is also history, but in state relations, when people, while living, must understand how everything should be right, what direction to choose, how to work on themselves. Always carry and have this divine grace, love, and joy in your heart. Rejoice, always rejoice, – the bishop urged. – We fill our hearts with love for the Lord, show love to our neighbors, and walk the appointed path with joy.
During the prayer service, church awards were presented. On behalf of the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, the rector of Vitebsk State Order of Friendship of Peoples Medical University, Alexey Chukanov, was awarded the Order of the Belarusian Orthodox Church of St. Cyril of Turov, II degree.
University staff were awarded diplomas and letters of gratitude from the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus.
Anatoly Gutsulyak, Deputy Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee, was awarded the medal of the Vitebsk Diocese "Saint Vladimir the Confessor of Vitebsk", I degree. Ivan Zdesev, chief specialist of the department, was awarded the medal "Saint Vladimir the Confessor of Vitebsk", II degree.
Hundreds of people attended the festive divine services, for almost everyone, this is a tradition and an opportunity to strengthen the bond between generations.
– A great holiday that we celebrate together: grandmother, grandson, children – everyone is with us. And in our souls, all relatives and loved ones are always with us. This is a joyful day, on which everyone wants to wish goodness and peace, – shared Natalia Shchitova.
With her are her son Andrey Shchitov with his wife Vladislava and their seven-year-old son Andrey.
– Christmas is always an occasion to gather the whole family. Traditionally, this day for us begins with a trip to the church. The trip to the church itself is always soulful, and it is that state of mind when you come, you can be with yourself, rejoice for all your loved ones, relatives, pray for peace in the whole world and for health. We also accustom the younger generation – we pass on the tradition, – explained Andrey Shchitov. – And according to our tradition, we gather at our grandparents' to taste a traditional dish. We go to eat grandpa's machanka and grandma's pancakes.