This year, the Vitebsk Orthodox Diocese celebrates the 25th anniversary of its revival

In the late 1980s, as throughout the country, the religious life in our region began to be renewed. By the decision of the Holy Synod, the ancient Polotsk Cathedral was restored, and the entire Vitebsk region became part of the Polotsk Diocese. At that time, Archimandrite Dmitry became the Bishop of Polotsk and Vitebsk. And in 1992, by the decision of the Bishops' Council, the Polotsk Diocese was first downsized, and the Vitebsk Diocese was restored in the Vitebsk region within the boundaries of 11 districts determined by the Synod of the Belarusian Exarchate. And for a quarter of a century now, Archbishop Dmitry of Vitebsk and Orsha has been the ruling bishop of the Vitebsk Diocese.

Under the chairmanship of the bishop, a press conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the revival of the diocese was held at the theological seminary. Referring to history, Archbishop Dmitry recalled that during the years of anti-religious power, all districts were deprived of churches, and church life was in a dire state. Only 9 churches operated in the diocese, and 12 clergy served. Vitebsk had only one church in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

Gradually, the situation changed; the ancient Annunciation Church and the Intercession Cathedral were restored, and in the first few years alone, the number of parishes grew to 56, and eight Sunday schools began to operate. In 1995, divine liturgies were already performed in all district centers. Now, according to the bishop, the Vitebsk Diocese has 178 registered parishes, 150 churches with altars, two male and four female monasteries. 200 clergy conduct divine services.

His Eminence also recalled the most important events in the life of Orthodox believers. For example, one of the significant events was the year 1998, when Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus' visited the Vitebsk region for the first time in the history of church life. At the same time, on Uspenskaya Hill, a stone and a capsule with a charter were laid at the foundation of the Assumption Cathedral, which is now operating and serves as an adornment for both the spiritual life and the architectural landscape of the city.

Orthodoxy is the spiritual binding core of our society, which keeps our people in holiness. Speaking about this, the владыка once again drew attention to the important role played by educational, missionary activities, and work with youth in this regard. Over the years of the revived diocese's history, a theological seminary has been opened in Vitebsk, a women's spiritual school has been restored, and the Orsha spiritual school is operating. The Archbishop expressed regret that there is not yet a single Orthodox gymnasium.

Since 2002, the children's health camp "Druzhba" (Friendship) in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Upbringing" has been operating under the Vitebsk Diocese. By the way, annually during the summer period, about 300 children improve their health and learn the basics of spiritual life here. The traditional festivals "Orthodox Belarus" in Orsha and "Odigitria" in Vitebsk are always eagerly awaited by the participants. Forums such as the Christmas Readings and the Sretensky Readings bring together like-minded people, and the Easter and Christmas youth gatherings have become a good tradition. One of the important events in the diocesan life is the establishment in 2016 of the public association of Orthodox women; the new organization cooperates with the Smolensk branch of the international organization "Union of Orthodox Women."

The diocese publishes its own newspaper "Our Orthodoxy" monthly, and the Vitebsk Diocese website has been actively operating since 2014.

At the press conference, the II International Church-Public and Scientific-Educational Irininsky Forum "Spiritual Foundations of the Slavic World. The 1917 Revolution in Russia" was also announced for November 30. Within the framework of the forum, a round table dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the revival of the Vitebsk Diocese and the 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint George (Konissky) will be held at the Vitebsk Theological Seminary.

Festive events dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the revival of the Vitebsk diocese of the Belarusian exarchate are scheduled for the first decade of December. As reported by the secretary of the diocesan administration, Archpriest Vladimir Rezanovich, on December 6, the day of remembrance of the holy righteous Prince Alexander Nevsky, the Divine Liturgy will be held in the Holy Assumption Cathedral, followed by a procession from the cathedral to the monument of the holy prince and his family. On December 10, believers will welcome Metropolitan Pavel of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, at the Holy Assumption Cathedral, where the Divine Liturgy will be served. On the same day, throughout the entire territory, there will be a celebration of bell ringing. In Vitebsk, a mobile bell tower will also be installed on the square in front of the Holy Assumption Cathedral, and everyone will be able to take a master class from bell ringers. The celebrations will conclude with a festive concert at the Vitebsk Regional Philharmonic.

Program for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Vitebsk Diocese (download)