Alexander Lukashenko called the Holy Dormition Zhirovichi monastery leading center of Orthodox education in a congratulatory message to the compatriots, which he sent on 20 may on the occasion of the 550th anniversary of the finding the miracle-working Zhirovichi icon of Mother of God and of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the stavropegic monastery, reported on the official Internet portal of the President of the Republic of Belarus.
the miraculous image of the blessed virgin Mary on a granite stone, stressed the head of state, is one of the main Orthodox shrines of Belarus, revered throughout the Christian world.
“Recognizing the importance of the spiritual component in the formation of traditions of the Belarusian people and the preservation of its cultural heritage, the government provides full support in the restoration of the Zhirovichi monastery. Prayer tireless work of its inhabitants awaken in people the love, hope, and charity, unite to face any tests,” – said in greeting.
the Belarusian leader expressed confidence that the monastery will continue to be the leading center of Orthodox education, to support national traditions of religious tolerance, promote ethnic and religious harmony and stability in society. “I wish you good health, inexhaustible faith, success in all your endeavors in the name of high ideals of Christianity and prosperity of the Belarusian people”, – concluded the President.
it Should be recalled that the official celebration of one of the most revered shrines of Belarus, which is the same as in may of this year with the 500th anniversary of the Holy Dormition monastery in Grodno oblast, was moved to a later date, as already informed, the Belarusian Orthodox Church. By the way, among the activities which previously reported “UNION,” was planned and the session of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church with the participation of Church hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church from near and far abroad.
the New dates of the anniversary celebrations is not yet completely defined, informed of local news portals.
