On the eve of the Nativity of the Lord, a meeting between Bishop Oleg Butkevich and journalists took place in the Cathedral of Jesus the Merciful.
What marked the Year of Mercy?
The Bishop, who has been heading the diocese for a relatively short time, informed the guests that he continued to visit various parishes, meet with priests and believers. This tradition was established by his predecessor, Vladislav Blin.
According to Bishop Oleg Butkevich, the eastern part of the diocese, where parish life has only recently begun to revive, requires particular attention today. Financial issues are sometimes acute here, concerning the completion of construction and renovation of places of worship or the maintenance of priests.
On the other hand, in small parish communities, believers sometimes feel a stronger sense of unity, creating a peculiar family atmosphere where people know each other well, and this is a certain advantage and an example for large parishes.
Close cooperation with authorities and universities in organizing scientific events continues. For example, a significant event was the annual medical conference "Problems of Medical Ethics in the Modern World" at VSMU, which was held for the 12th time this June. Representatives from Belarus, as well as the Vatican, Italy, Poland, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and other countries participated.
And just a few days ago, a II scientific and practical conference "Nativity of Christ as a Phenomenon of Universal Human Culture" was held at PSU named after P. Masherov. Priests, teachers and students of the university, students of the Grodno seminary, and representatives of the regional authorities took part in it. A collection of reports was published based on the materials.
The Pope Thinks About Belarus
He was asked how the Bishop's meetings with Pope Francis, who celebrated his 80th birthday in December, went. Oleg Butkevich admitted that the impressions were very strong. The Pontiff has a good understanding of people's needs and state. In October, the Bishop, together with the Apostolic Visitor for
Archimandrite Sergei Gaek, head of the Belarusian Greek Catholic Church, was presented with a personally authored work translated into Belarusian and published in Minsk, titled "The Name of God is Mercy." The Catholic hierarch expressed his gratitude for the thoughtful gift.
The issue of the Pontiff visiting Belarus also remains very important, as it is one of the few European countries he has not yet visited. However, there are shifts in this direction. At least, the newly appointed Nuncio has named the preparation of the visit as one of his main tasks. New shrines will be built
The attendees also raised questions about new places of worship. This includes the restoration of St. Anthony's Church on the Town Hall Square in Vitebsk. Oleg Butkevich believes this is a very important and responsible undertaking. The main task is to provide guarantees for the financing of construction. In any case, the issue will be finally resolved at the national level. In the near future, it is also planned to begin the construction of the Church of the Parish of St. Vladislav in the densely populated area of Bilevo in the regional center, as well as the Church of Jesus the Merciful in Postavy. In addition, the diocese plans to restore a 19th-century chapel in the botanical garden.
God is Calling You
New priestly vocations are also an important topic. There was a period when priests had to be invited to Belarus from abroad. Today, the work of pastors largely helps young people recognize their calling. However, the issue of priesthood is a matter of a person's relationship with God, who helps them open up to this call.
Currently, 4 young men from the Vitebsk region are studying in the seminaries of our country. Several young people who are currently receiving secondary and higher education have also expressed their intention to follow the path of priesthood. In general, the number is not the main thing in such a matter. It is not enough to have priests; it is important that the level of their formation meets the requirements of the time and that they are devoted to God's cause.
"Days of Christian Culture"
Under this title, a festival is traditionally held during the Christmas days, within the framework of which various events take place. These include exhibitions of children's creativity at the regional art museum and literary events.
The festival program includes concerts by parish choirs and artists from the state regional philharmonic, Christmas greetings with the participation of the "Caritas" charitable society for children who are in hospitals during the festive season, and reading meetings. The competition of national batleikas with the participation of children's groups from Catholic parishes and creative communities promises to be interesting. It will be held on January 5 at the Palace of Creativity of Children and Youth "Spadchyna" in Vitebsk (near the railway station).
A Christmas Gift
The Bishop sincerely thanked the management of the "Vitebsk" radio and television company, which is organizing the live broadcast of the Christmas Eve service this evening from the Vitebsk Church of the Holy Spirit. This is very important for those people who, for various reasons, cannot attend the church on the holiday, but need to live a full religious life.
It is worth noting that, as before, the meeting with the press took place in a wonderful warm atmosphere. It all ended with a fraternal feast with coffee and cookies and the traditional sharing of opłatki among those present.
Ales Byньko. Photo by Anton STEPANISHCHEV. "Vitebskiye Vesti".