Orthodox Christians celebrated the Nativity of Christ. This holiday is considered the most important after Bright Resurrection. Like Easter, it is preceded by a multi-day fast, which encourages good deeds, prayer, reading, and reflection on spiritual matters. The fast is called a spring for the soul, which blossoms for the great Christian holidays.


Many believers of the Vitebsk region met Christmas in churches, which were decorated with fir trees and the Star of Bethlehem. Services were held in all of the more than 150 churches and cathedrals of the region. In the main church of the Vitebsk Diocese – the Holy Assumption Cathedral – the Divine Liturgy was led by Archbishop Dimitry of Vitebsk and Orsha. Christmas messages from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' and Metropolitan Pavel of Minsk and Zaslavye, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, were also read. The Primate of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, in particular, noted that the Christian mission is to do good not occasionally, but constantly. "It is within our power, with God's help, to perform good deeds every day," the Metropolitan emphasised.




















































































































































From the morning of January 7th, the advent of the holiday was met with the ringing of bells. At noon, a solemn prayer service was held in the Holy Assumption Cathedral, also led by Archbishop Dimitriy. At the conclusion of the service, the head of the diocese congratulated the faithful on the Nativity of Christ, reminding them that this is a holiday of mercy and kindness, and that the Saviour's birthday should be celebrated with pure thoughts, an open soul, and love.

"It is important to remember that the Lord came for each of us. Always carry God's grace in your heart. May the God of love and peace be with you!" – the bishop addressed the Orthodox Christians.

The Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Vladimir Penin, and other officials came to congratulate the clergy and parishioners. Vladimir Terentyev thanked Archbishop Dimitriy for his titanic work for the benefit of the Orthodox Church and presented him with a bouquet of white roses. The head of the deputy corps wished everyone goodness and warmth of the family hearth.

"In these bright days, we must remember those who have faced life's problems and need help. Do not chase after material wealth; it is worth thinking more about spiritual richness and sharing the warmth of your hearts with your neighbours," noted Vladimir Terentyev.

The twelve days from the Nativity of Christ to the Eve of Epiphany are considered holy. The Nativity festivities in the church calendar are an important winter holiday. During these days, it is customary to visit relatives, to call on guests with congratulations and gifts. It is also a time to thank loved ones for their care and love.