Saint Casimir is a person close to the poor, to those who lack care. He grew up in a royal palace, but was never interested in luxury and earthly pleasures. The most important things for King Casimir were faithfulness to God, prayer, and helping those in need.

Saint Casimir is a person close to the poor, to those who lack care. He grew up in a royal palace, but was never interested in luxury and earthly pleasures. The most important things for King Casimir were faithfulness to God, prayer, and helping those in need.

In a conversation with Father Vladimir Zayanchkovsky, I learned that our church will be celebrating its anniversary this year. It turns out that the Lepel Catholic parish was founded in 1602, when Lew Sapieha ordered a Catholic church to be built here. And in 1604, exactly 420 years ago, the Church of Saint Casimir was consecrated, becoming one of the first three Catholic churches in the Polotsk land.

The shrine is unique not only for its classical architectural appearance but also for its history. It is part of the spiritual heritage: historical and religious, it is an architectural monument, a historical and cultural value of the country. And we are happy to have the opportunity to partake in all of this.
As guests of our city note, the church is divinely beautiful. It looks harmonious and impressive even in a black-and-white photograph. Not every building can be said to be like that.

On the eve of the anniversary, the church began to hold new secrets: a kind of mini-museum of old sacred objects appeared here. All the exhibits are ancient prayer books, icons, small icons, vestments of clergy, and much more that once served people. Now these items have taken a place of honour in the church.

—- Throughout our lives, we accumulate many things, we try to surround ourselves with what we love and what we sincerely believe in. However, after a person goes to heaven, many things become unnecessary to their relatives. Yes, some items are easy to throw away or give away. But not all of them can be treated this way, for example, an icon or a Bible.

And it is gratifying that our parishioners did not throw away these valuable items but handed them over to the church, — noted Father Vladimir. — Icons should not be thrown away, let alone damaged. Nor should they be sold for money. Of course, it is best to keep them for yourself. But if you feel that they do not belong in your home, then you can give them to someone who will appreciate such a gift, or bring them to the church.

Speaking of icons, it is important to ensure that they end up in a place where

where they will pray before them. Then a person will act correctly from the point of view of conscience and Christianity.
Here are items from different times, including those when churches were used for other purposes, and some were completely destroyed.

This indicates that people have always maintained faith in God, despite the events happening around them.
Thanks to the parishioners, unique items have appeared in the church, and this is of great spiritual value to us. Any resident of the city and guests can visit the shrine, thereby touching not only history but also the source of grace.

On March 3, at 1:00 PM, the festive service will be conducted by Bishop Oleg Butkevich of Vitebsk. By this day, an altar for the relics of saints will be installed, where everyone can come and pray before them. The altar for the relics will be consecrated by Oleg Butkevich. All believers and guests are invited to the service.

Natalia Khrapovitskaya. "Lepelsky Krai" newspaper