Patriarch Kirill will lead the divine liturgy in Polotsk on the 1030th anniversary of Orthodoxy in Belarus
In 2022, it is the 1030th anniversary of the founding of the first Polotsk diocese on Belarusian lands. The official history of the Orthodox Church in Belarus dates back to this event. In honor of the celebration of the 1030th anniversary of Orthodoxy on Belarusian lands, a divine liturgy will be held at the Polotsk Holy Euphrosyne Convent, which will be led by Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', Bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill. This was reported by the Polotsk diocese.
The Patriarch's visit is expected on June 5. "The main solemn events will take place at the Holy Euphrosyne Convent. At 10:00, Patriarch Kirill will meet with clergy. Then, a divine liturgy will be held, led by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'. The entire Belarusian episcopate, as well as members of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, will attend the festive service," the Polotsk diocese noted.
This holiday is of great importance for Orthodox believers. "Belarusian statehood originated in Polotsk, and this city became the cradle of Orthodoxy in our lands. The Polotsk land gave the Belarusian Orthodox Church the largest number of saints, but this is not the only significance of the diocese's anniversary. The celebration of such a great date brings us back to the roots of Orthodoxy, strengthens us in faith, and fills our hearts with joy," the diocese emphasized.
Also on June 5, the day of remembrance of the Venerable Right-Believing Princess Euphrosyne of Polotsk is celebrated – the main patroness not only of her small homeland but of all of Belarus. The women's monastery, the construction of which was initiated by the saint, is still a place of pilgrimage for both our compatriots and believers from all over the world. People of all faiths come here to ask for help from the Belarusian intercessor and to venerate the relics of the venerable.