Visit to the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God The Milk-Giver

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko lit a candle in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God The Milk-Giver in the village of Okolitsa, Minsk District on Orthodox Christmas.

Traditionally, the head of state lit a Christmas candle in the church, spoke with parishioners and clergy, and shared warm holiday greetings.

“This church is turning into a national focal point, as so many people direct their thoughts to the Lord on this bright and joyous feast. From this radiant place, I wish to congratulate all of you here, and all our fellow Belarusians who can hear us, on this bright and much-anticipated celebration,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The Belarusian leader also extended his warmest wishes on the bright feast of Christmas. “Once again, I wish you health, success, and to live in peace. I often say this: just do what you must do in your workplace. A doctor in their hospital, a teacher in their school, a professor in their university, a civil servant, clergy at their posts. And everything will be fine for us. All the rest is on me. Happiness, success, health, joy, less sorrow and bitterness, especially from your children,” the President wished.

The church in Okolitsa was founded in 2017. It was named in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God The Milk-Giver, whose history dates back to the 16th century. The church’s appearance is defined by features of ancient Russian architecture. The main accent in the interior are the hand-crafted reliefs depicting the Twelve Great Feasts. All the work is executed in stone, deliberately avoiding gold and excessive framing.

The head of state noted that Belarus is a multi-confessional nation. On Christmas, Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed representatives of different faiths, wishing them peace and goodwill. “We have other denominations as well. And we, as Orthodox Christians (the largest denomination), and I as President, want to use this church to address them - Catholics, Muslims, Jews, and our other smaller confessions - with wishes for peace and kindness. Let them be assured that they are not forgotten; in fact, they are well remembered and held in the highest regard,” he said.

In this context, the Belarusian leader reiterated the essence of Belarus’ policy regarding religious denominations. “Every individual should find their way to a house of worship. And no one should stand in their way,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The head of state also thanked the clergy for the good that has been done in Belarus. This pertains also to the preservation of peace in the country. “Even Belarusians were criticized: ‘Look, they are always talking about a peaceful sky!’ But now, more than ever, our people have understood what a peaceful sky overhead means. I have always said that if there is peace, we can buy everything else (I used to say it jokingly). And to buy, we will earn,” the President stressed. “We will do everything ourselves with our own hands. The main thing is that it is quiet, calm, and peaceful. And the fact that we have peace in our country today is largely due to our clergy.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko received a replica of the Cross of Euphrosyne of Polotsk as a gift during a visit to a church in the village of Okolitsa.

The processional cross, made by the craftsman Lazar Bohsha on the orders of Euphrosyne of Polotsk, is rightfully considered one of the principal religious and national treasures of the Belarusian people. The copy presented to the head of state is made to the original size.

In turn, the President donated the Icon of the Mother of God of Minsk to the church. The icon is decorated with semi-precious stones and pearls.

The icon was discovered in 1500 on the waters of the Svisloch River. Since then, it has remained unwaveringly in the city of Minsk. Parishioners have always treated this holy image with great reverence and managed to preserve it during periods of religious persecution and the years of the Great Patriotic War. In 1945, the Icon of the Mother of God was transferred to the Holy Spirit Cathedral, where it resides to this day.