The oldest Orthodox church in the Lepel region celebrates its 155th anniversary

In one of the most picturesque and cosy corners of the northern region, in a quiet and peaceful place, stands the Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa.

In one of the most picturesque and cosy corners of the northern region, in a quiet and peaceful place, stands the Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa.

This year is an anniversary for it. The church is celebrating its 155th anniversary. Orthodox parishioners affectionately call it our "Paraskevushka".

Currently, the church is one of the oldest in our country and holds the status of a historical and cultural value of the Republic of Belarus.

Parishioners, as many years ago, believe that this church is special. Under the protection of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, it is called upon to protect the people of Lepel from misfortunes and adversities, to share their joys and sorrows, and to fill their souls with ardent faith and God's grace.

Today, representatives of the Belarusian Orthodox Church arrived to congratulate the Orthodox residents of Lepel on the holiday. One of the honoured guests is EVSEVIY, BISHOP OF DRUTSK, VICAR OF THE VITEBSK DIOCESE.

The celebration began with the Divine Liturgy, which was officiated by clergy not only from the Lepel deanery but also from other deaneries of the Vitebsk diocese.

It should be noted that there were many residents of Lepel and guests of the city at the service. Orthodox believers arrived to share the joy of the great holiday – the 155th anniversary of the Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa.

Over its more than a century and a half history, the church has gone through many trials. However, through the years, it has preserved that which cannot be destroyed, lost, or forgotten – faith in God.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, a procession around the church was traditionally held.

The Church of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa was Uniate from its foundation. There were many such churches in Belarus. Some were destroyed, while others became Orthodox. This is what happened to the Lepel church: in 1808, the Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa was converted from Uniate to Orthodox. At that time, it was the Transfiguration Church.

A new church in honour of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa was built in 1868.

The head of the district, Mikhail Kiselevich, was also present at the celebration.
Mikhail Leonidovich thanked the representatives of the Orthodox Church for the spiritual upbringing of society, especially the younger generation, and for preserving and passing on purely Christian traditions.

The Chairman of the District Executive Committee presented the Vicar of the Vitebsk Diocese with a handmade icon.

to the local craftsman, and to Archpriest Sergiy Leshkevich of the Lepel Deanery – a Letter of Gratitude from the District Executive Committee.

The head of the district also heard words of gratitude from the clergy.

- Over the months of preparation for the holiday, hundreds of Lepel residents have left their mark here. Some – materially, some – spiritually, some – through prayer. I warmly congratulate everyone for whom this small, cosy church is dear, on this great event – its 155th anniversary. I wish you strong health, peace and well-being, intercession and help from the Great Martyr Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, – Sergiy Leshkevich addressed with congratulations.

Based on materials from the newspaper "Lepelsky Kray"