Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia is leading the Divine Liturgy at St. Euphrosyne Convent in Polotsk, BelTA has learned.
Today, Polotsk is hosting celebrations marking the 900th anniversary of the founding of St. Euphrosyne Convent. The convent is a gem of Orthodox architecture and houses relics that are an integral part of the historical and cultural heritage of Belarus.
The celebrations kicked off in the morning with a Divine Liturgy at Saint Sophia Cathedral. It will be followed with a traditional procession through the streets of Polotsk, which recently celebrated its 1,163rd anniversary. Pilgrims and parishioners will walk to the walls of the monastery to join the service.
Before meeting with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, told the media that the Polotsk convent is an important part of Belarusian history and modern life. “It has become a kind of benchmark and model. Other monasteries have looked to it since ancient times,” Metropolitan Veniamin said. “The example of St. Euphrosyne is inspiring; it is a model of monastic life, abbot ministry, and spirituality. It is an example for all times and for all peoples.”
In his words, the restoration work in the Holy Transfiguration Church of the convent, where 12th-century frescoes were discovered, is the result of the joint work of Belarusian and Russian experts in restoration of ancient monumental painting.
At the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia is leading the Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, archpastors, and clergy.
Attending the celebrations in Polotsk are thousands of pilgrims, clergy, abbesses of monasteries in Belarus and Russia, representatives of state authorities, and public associations.