Saviour is born! Belarus’ Ivyanets celebrating Christmas (photos)


interfax ukraineArchbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, Roman Catholic Metropolitan of Minsk and Mahiliou, has attended the pastoral mass in Ivyanets (Minsk region) which was once a private settlement of Vytautas the Great.

This urban village has a rich history, as well as many Roman Catholic church members, including active youth.

There was a Bethlehem light in almost every house; traditional Christmas Eve food – kutia, fish, kissel, slapjacks with poppy seeds and honey were served; there was no meat on holiday tables because of fasting.

A vigil dinner is started with a joint prayer. But one seat at the table is left for their deceased ancestors, or for those family members who cannot be present, or for strangers who may suddenly knock on the door. After saying a prayer, believers share an obley with each other and taste kutia and other dishes. Then they go to Christmas Eve Mass.

The organizers of the pastoral mass in Ivyanets prepared a bright holiday, even with fireworks and real animals near Jesus’ manger. The best part of the residents gathered inside the church of St. Michael, there were prayers and joyous Christmas songs, as well as greetings from Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz in many languages. It was plain to see that the believers had a sense of real joy due to the birth of the Son of God who gave people the true eternal light in the darkness of life.

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ЛБ / МЛ, belsat.eu

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