An important event for the faithful of Lepel District was the arrival of a relic on July 5th at the St. Casimir Church.
An important event for the faithful of Lepel District was the arrival of a relic on July 5th at the St. Casimir Church. Saint Barbara is equally revered by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Saint Barbara is usually prayed to in difficult times: when many diseases arise, to avoid sudden death, and during various pandemics. It is believed that even being near this relic means partaking in communion.
On July 12, 2020, at 12:00 PM, the icon of Saint Barbara will be transferred from the St. Casimir Church to the Church of the Nativity of Christ. Over the next week, the icon will be displayed in rotation at three Orthodox churches:
July 12-14 - Church of the Nativity of Christ (Lepel, Budyonny St., 7)
July 14-16 - Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Lepel, Chuykov St., 75a)
July 16-17 - Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Unfading Cup" (Borovka village).
Throughout the week, believers can venerate the icon. Afterwards, the icon will continue its pilgrimage to other cities in Belarus.
History of the Relic
The icon was created by the renowned Brest jeweler Nikolai Kuzmich. This name is familiar to many, as the master once restored the Cross of Euphrosyne of Polotsk. The peculiarity of the icon lies in its execution technique. Within the fine "golden" partitions, invisible to the naked eye, lies the entire palette of French enamel.
Cities named Santa Barbara, after the Saint, are located in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, and others. This indicates the deep reverence for the Great Martyr in various countries around the world.