Alexander Subbotin: The Nativity of Christ is a holiday of peace that begins in the soul of each of us

Vitebsk is celebrating the Nativity of Christ on a sunny frosty day. The leadership of the region and the city came to the Holy Assumption Cathedral to share the bright holiday with Orthodox believers. The festive prayer service was led by Archbishop Dmitry of Vitebsk and Orsha, who performed the divine service together with Bishop Eusebius of Drutsk.

Before the morning service, the Christmas message of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' was read.

The head of the Vitebsk diocese, congratulating the parishioners on the bright holiday of the Nativity of Christ, emphasized the importance of preserving the joy that we spiritually feel in our hearts.

– We need to cherish time and direct it along the right – spiritual path. Through faith, which must be protected, – said the archbishop.

He also noted that the church always feels strong support from the state and tries to lend a helping hand, both in the initiatives of secular authorities and in the upbringing of the younger generation.

Alexander Subbotin, addressing the believers, wished that harmony and peace would always reign in the homes of the residents of the Vitebsk region.

– We have peace and quiet, people are smiling on the street. Everything else will follow. Much depends on ourselves, not only small deeds but also global ones, including peace in the whole world. If everyone wants this, it will all come together in one great victory. Christmas is a bright and blessed holiday; even the sun came out today after cloudy days – as if nature is rejoicing. We should also radiate this light from our hearts. The main wish is kindness to each other, to those around us, and also patience. Then we can accomplish any task that is needed not by someone else, but by us. To make things better in our own home, city, country, and the world, – noted the chairman of the regional executive committee and added that earlier, in the Soviet period, the main holiday was New Year, and in recent years, many have come to revere the Nativity of Christ more.

Alexander Subbotin also shared that he celebrates Christmas with his family, around a large table.

Photo by Dmitry Osipov.