Congratulations of the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee A.N. Kosinets on the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus'
Dear residents of the Vitebsk region!
In these July days, we celebrate a significant event – the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus'. In the tenth century, Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir adopted the Christian faith, making a spiritual and civilizational choice that determined the further destiny of the Belarusian, Russian, and Ukrainian peoples, and contributed to the unity of the Eastern Slavs.
Following Kyiv, other cities of Rus' also adopted Orthodoxy. Just four years later, in 992, the Polotsk Diocese was established. Ancient Polotsk is called the spiritual center, the cradle of Belarusian statehood, a center of culture and education. Saint Euphrosyne, the founder and abbess of two Orthodox monasteries, became one of the first women canonized in the Eastern Slavic lands. In the tenth century, churches were also built in Vitebsk.
Today, Orthodoxy, being a powerful spiritual and moral factor, has become the heritage of millions of people. There are 215 Orthodox places of worship in the Vitebsk region, 60 of which are architectural and historical monuments.
The region implements a Program of Measures for Cooperation with the Vitebsk and Polotsk Dioceses, republican and regional programs for the development of the confessional sphere, interethnic relations, and cooperation with compatriots abroad. Interaction between local authorities and the Church is strengthening.
The modern world faces many problems: crime, terrorism, an increase in suicides, abortions and family breakdown, alcoholism and drug addiction. In overcoming vices and adversities, the state relies on the help of the Orthodox Church, carrying out joint work in the noble cause of the spiritual upbringing of the nation, uniting society on the basis of traditional values and ideals. It is our duty to preserve the Orthodox heritage.
I sincerely wish you and your loved ones health, spiritual and physical strength, happiness, wisdom, to always be at peace with your conscience and act justly!
Sincerely, sp; Aleksandr Kosinets,
Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional
Executive Committee