A Christmas service was held at the Holy Assumption Cathedral in Vitebsk
The Christmas service in the main church of the Vitebsk Diocese – the Holy Assumption Cathedral – on January 7 was led by Archbishop Dmitry of Vitebsk and Orsha. A solemn moment of the divine service was the elevation of the abbess of the Holy Spirit Convent, Mother Ksenia (Sokolova), to the rank of abbess with the bestowal of a pectoral cross. Last year, the convent in Vitebsk celebrated the 20th anniversary of its revival.
At the end of the service, the bishop read the Christmas message of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', which states, in particular, that the presence of God gives a person the opportunity to feel safe. "It is precisely this sense of security, protection, and peace that we lack so much today, when a destructive epidemic continues to make its adjustments to our lives, when it is difficult to predict anything and make plans, when uncertainty about the future constantly keeps us on edge and causes anxiety. However, in these difficult circumstances, we have felt the fragility of human existence particularly acutely, we have realized that we must cherish every new day as the greatest gift from God, we have understood what a heavy burden forced loneliness becomes, and how important it is to have the opportunity for regular personal communication with relatives and loved ones," noted His Holiness the Patriarch.
Archbishop Dmitry congratulated the faithful on the Nativity of Christ, reminding them that this is a holiday of mercy and kindness, and that the birthday of the Savior should be met with pure thoughts, an open soul, and love.
– We will always live with love and kindness in our hearts, feeling the Lord. God is love, He came for us and cares for every person. May He always be with you! – the bishop addressed the Orthodox Christians.
The Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin, the Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee Nikolai Orlov, and other officials came to congratulate the clergy and parishioners. The head of the region thanked Archbishop Dmitry for his service for the benefit of the Orthodox Church and presented him with a bouquet of white roses.
– I congratulate everyone on the Nativity of Christ, I wish you health, well-being, and good luck. May God's grace be with you! – said Alexander Subbotin.
