Orthodox believers in Belarus celebrate Christmas

MINSK, January 8 (Itar-Tass) - The Orthodox Christians of Belarus, who
account for some 80 percent of the republic's population, celebrated
Christmas on Thursday. The propers for Christmas were performed in all
churches across the country. The main service took place in Mink's Saint
Spirit Cathedral, with head of the Belarussian Orthodox Church (BPTs)
Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Slutsk officiating.
He underlined that the year 2010 marks a centennial since the hallows
of reverend mother Yevfrosinia - the patron of White Russia (Belarus) --
were moved from Kiev to Polotsk.
"Let us remember that a two-decade revival of the Polotsk region
preceded this anniversary, together with the rebuilding of the spiritual
symbol of the Belarussian land - the cross of reverend Yevfrosinia,"
Metropolitan Filaret noted.
"We also have to remember her great stalking along from Kiev to
Plotsk, which sanctified the lands of the fraternal peoples ahead of their
trials by fire," the hierarch said.
In an televised address to the nation on Wednesday, metropolitan
Filaret noted that the Christian churches were striving for unity, but
that this road was very difficult.
"The work at the World Council of Churches and contacts with
representatives of churches of various orientations lead to the conviction
that everybody sincerely strives for unity, but this way is very
difficult. Heaven forbid our tempting God and fate, and being jealous of
our good place in history; we must feel responsibly for the history of the
Church, for the existence of peace and people," he said.
Head of the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz
congratulated the Orthodox believes on Christmas, wishing them a joyful
Christmas full of divine kindness and radiance.
Traditionally, Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko conveyed his
Christmas greetings to the nation. "Christmas brings to millions of
believes joy and hope for the victory of true spirituality and humanism,
it cleanses thoughts and feelings, urges to make noble acts, and calls for
compassion and tolerance," the head of state said.
-0-myz