Bishop Dimitry spoke about the completion of the temple construction in Bilevo, Christmas festivals, and much more

A press conference dedicated to summing up the past year and the upcoming celebration of the bright Nativity of Christ was held at the residence of Archbishop Dmitry of Vitebsk and Orsha.

His Eminence spoke about the main events in the life of the diocese, social, educational, and missionary activities that were carried out in 2016. These include the meeting with the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and the Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, which includes Archbishop Dmitry, held in the autumn.

-- The head of state highly appreciated the role of the Orthodox Church in the creation and spiritual enrichment of society. A wish was expressed for further strengthening and development of cooperation between dioceses and local authorities, – said His Eminence.

Last year, an agreement on cooperation with the regional executive committee for 2016-2020 was signed. The document notes that the church is one of the most important social institutions, whose historical experience, spiritual potential, and centuries-old cultural heritage have had and continue to have a significant impact on the formation of morality and national traditions of the Belarusian people.

The Day of Remembrance of the Holy Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky was widely celebrated in Vitebsk. A delegation from Russia, led by Metropolitan Isidore of Smolensk and Roslavl, took part in the celebrations. A regional public association of Orthodox women was established, which actively engaged in the promotion of Christian virtues.

His Eminence Dmitry drew attention to the work of the youth Orthodox brotherhood in honor of the Holy Righteous John of Kronstadt, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2016. Over the years of its existence, this informal organization has held many events, charity events, and Christmas, Easter, and Pokrov youth gatherings.

It became one of the main organizers of the Orthodox festival "Odigitria", which will be held for the 15th time this summer. At the end of January, a delegation from the Vitebsk brotherhood will take part in the Christmas gathering in Moscow, as well as in the Christmas ball in

cultural and business center of the Embassy of Belarus in the Russian capital.

This year, the Vitebsk Diocese, recreated in July 1992, will celebrate its anniversary. Archbishop Dmitry recalled the challenges he faced in the early years of his service. Many churches were destroyed or closed. Today, the diocese has 6 monasteries (2 male and 4 female), 174 parishes, and 189 clergy. Vitebsk has established the second theological seminary in Belarus, after Minsk, which has already had 5 graduating classes. An agreement has been signed with P. Masherov University for part-time training of theologians, who receive diplomas from a state university.

The First Vice-Rector of the seminary, Archpriest Konstantin Izofatov, shared the educational institution's problems related to its location.

– The premises currently occupied by the seminary do not allow for the full implementation of educational and upbringing processes. What is normal for ordinary students is not entirely appropriate for seminarians, particularly the distance of the dormitory, which should be located in the same building as the classrooms. We have appealed to the authorities with a request to transfer to the diocese the building of the former seminary campus, which is currently empty and where the machine tool technical school was located until recently. We hope that the issue will be resolved positively, – said Archpriest Konstantin Izofatov.

This year, it is planned to complete the construction of a church in honor of Saint Matrona of Moscow in the Bilevo microdistrict. The bishop was also approached by residents of Staro Selo in the Vitebsk region and nearby villages with a request to register a parish and open a prayer room, and in the future, to build a church.

The press conference also discussed the "Druzhba" children's Orthodox camp, work with convicts, including the classes of the Vitebsk Theological Seminary established at IK-3, where theological subjects are taught to 25 people, and charitable activities.

On the eve of the Nativity of Christ, clergy will visit children's and nursing homes, the elderly, and large families. On

all Sunday schools will host Christmas festivals, holiday concerts, and exhibitions.

Archbishop Dmitry will lead the festive divine liturgy in the Holy Assumption Cathedral, from where the night service will be broadcast live.

At the end of the press conference, His Eminence congratulated everyone on the upcoming Nativity of Christ and wished for families to be strong and healthy, and the state to be strong and prosperous, so that there would be love, respect, and self-sacrifice in homes.

Tatyana Pasternak. Photo by Dmitry OSIPOV. "Vitebskiye Vesti".