Alexander Subbotin on the celebration of the 1030th anniversary of Orthodoxy in Polotsk: it is a sacred celebration of unity
The celebration of the 1030th anniversary of Orthodoxy in the Belarusian lands, which is taking place in Polotsk on June 5, has a sacred meaning, it is a highly spiritual holiday and testifies to the unity of believers from different countries. This opinion was expressed to journalists before the divine liturgy in the Holy Euphrosyne Convent by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin.
"The anniversary of the Polotsk Diocese, which was the first to appear on Belarusian Orthodox land, the day of remembrance of the venerable righteous princess Euphrosyne of Polotsk, the visit of Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', Bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill - all this has come together. This is a highly spiritual holiday, a day of unity not only for our people, but also for all believers from different countries, and for the Vitebsk region it has a sacred meaning. In a way, it has become a symbolic start to the preparation for the monastery's anniversary, which we will celebrate in 2025," said the head of the region.
The holy abode may be transformed for the great holiday. According to the plans, a hotel for pilgrims will appear on the street leading to the monastery, where they could stay for several days. There will also be a refectory here. "I would like the monastery to flourish. We will try to make it a center of attraction for Christian pilgrims, an example of Christian tourism in the center of Europe," noted Alexander Subbotin.
In the Holy Euphrosyne Convent, Patriarch Kirill led the divine liturgy, members of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church and the entire Belarusian episcopate attended the service. The broadcast of the divine service was shown on screens installed near the church.
BELTA.