Beacon of Spirituality: Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk is Commemorated Today in Her Homeland
After the Divine Liturgy, led by Metropolitan Benjamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, a procession took place from the Saint Sophia Cathedral to the Saint Euphrosyne Women's Monastery. Along the way, the participants stopped at the monument to the patron saint of the Belarusian land and laid flowers. Residents of the city, including young people and older generations, formed a living corridor on both sides of the street named after the great saint, leading to the monastery founded by Euphrosyne of Polotsk.
Metropolitan Benjamin reminded those gathered at the great feast about the feat accomplished by the saint. "Today marks 850 years since the repose of our saint, Euphrosyne of Polotsk. She was a mentor in word and deed. She voluntarily took on the feat of self-limitation in all things. She renounced family life, her noble social status – to be a princess, and wealth. She earned her own sustenance through her labor. She gave up everything and in return received much. Euphrosyne of Polotsk gained boldness before the Lord to intercede for the people dear to her heart, for her land. And now we feel her intercession and help," emphasized the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus.
Along with pilgrims, parishioners, residents and guests of Polotsk, representatives of regional and district authorities took part in the celebrations. "Polochina is the land from which our statehood began, it is a stronghold of Orthodoxy, it is it that gave us the venerable one – our Belarusian helper and defender. I would like to wish on this holiday that Euphrosyne of Polotsk remains a beacon of virtue for all of us, sets an example of peace, goodness, and well-being for us," said Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin, congratulating those present on the holiday.
Metropolitan Veniamin also said that there are many examples of spiritual fidelity among the admirers of the feat and life of Euphrosyne of Polotsk. Grateful for her help and heavenly intercession, residents of the Vitebsk region and many other regions embark on a foot procession to arrive in Polotsk on the day of the venerable one's memory and venerate the relics of the saint. At the same time, there are families with infants among the pilgrims.
Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavl Veniamin, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus
Educational and cultural institutions in Polotsk also held themed events today dedicated to the memory of the patron saint of the Belarusian land.-0-
