Vyacheslav Durnov congratulated Oleg Butkevich and, in his person, all Christians of the Catholic confession on Christmas
Following tradition, the head of the episcopate, Oleg Butkevich, and, in his person, all Christians of the Catholic confession were congratulated by the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Vyacheslav Durnov, and a member of the collegium of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative for Religious and National Affairs, Sergey Fadeyenkov.
The festive meeting traditionally took place on Christmas morning at the Cathedral of the Divine Mercy in Vitebsk.
– It is very important that the tradition of celebrating Christmas has lived for many centuries. This and other religious holidays give us an understanding of the world we live in, how it is structured, and the desire to make it better. Christmas days are always associated with and embody peace and goodness in our home, – noted Vyacheslav Durnov.
Bishop Oleg Butkevich emphasized that the Nativity of Christ is a holiday of reconciliation and unity of people.
– We celebrate the unity of the heavenly and the earthly. It is important that people, by opening their hearts to God, can find common ground, forgive each other, and reconcile when difficulties and misunderstandings arise. This is a holiday, along with the glorification of God, who enters a person's life, a family celebration that is celebrated with loved ones. It is important on these days to remember our relatives. The Nativity of Christ leads us to harmony and peace, – said Oleg Butkevich.
The head of the diocese also said that during these days, clergy will visit the homes of parishioners, with special attention given to those in difficult situations, the lonely, and the disabled in hospitals. For children and youth, there will be exhibitions, competitions of nativity scenes, drawings, and Christmas carols.
– We want the light of Christmas to warm everyone's heart, – noted the head of the Diocese of Vitebsk.