Vladimir Terentyev congratulated Christians of the Catholic confession and Bishop of the Vitebsk Diocese Oleg Butkevich on Christmas

By tradition, on Christmas morning, the head of the Vitebsk region's parliamentary corps visited the Church of Jesus the Merciful in the regional center and presented the hierarch of the Roman Catholic Church with a bouquet of white roses.


— Christmas is a bright holiday that makes us reflect on conscience, peacefulness, and respectful attitude towards others. On all those qualities that should form the basis of social interactions, — said Vladimir Terentyev. — This approach has allowed Belarus to maintain peace and tolerance among representatives of different religions and nationalities for several decades of independence.


Vladimir Vladimirovich emphasized that the number of believers is growing in our country, and new churches are being built. In particular, a new church opened in the Bilevo microdistrict in Vitebsk this year. And on December 25, like other religious holidays, remain important family celebrations that unite Belarusians of different generations in churches, and then at the festive table.


The Bishop thanked the distinguished guest for his attention and stressed that the Nativity of the Lord gives Christians hope for salvation and God's help. This gives special meaning to life and helps to avoid despair in difficult situations.
— God came into this world to unite people. To fill them with joy and peace. May His blessing be upon each of us, — noted Oleg Butkevich. — In a year, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Vitebsk Diocese, so our immediate plans include preparations for this significant date.

"Vitebskiye Vesti"