Celebration of Russia’s Baptism anniversary to demonstrate unity of Orthodox people

09/19/2008 04:14 PM

The celebration of the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia in autumn 2008 will demonstrate the unity of the Eastern Orthodox Christians, the message of the Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church says on the occasion of the anniversary.

According to the message, the celebration of the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia in Moscow and Kiev confirmed the choice of the religious people of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. “We all see and witness that today just like centuries ago the hearts of people are warmed by hope and memory of the fact that Rus is the Home of the Virgin Mary,” the message says.

In autumn 2008, the Belarusian Eastern Orthodox Church will hold a series of festive events dedicated to two remarkable anniversaries - the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia and the 10th anniversary of the revival of the Belarusian Eastern Orthodox book printing (this year will mark the 10th anniversary of the publishing house of the Belarusian exarchate).

Viktor Popov, editor of the publishing house of the Belarusian exarchate, told BelTA that the programme of the celebrations includes the presentation of new interesting editions. Among them is a book of colourful reproductions of Belarusian, Ukrainian and Russian icons. A series of books “My holy name” about lives of saints has been designed for kids. The collection of discourses and interviews of Metropolitan Filaret and other high-quality books on the history of the Church are being published.

In late October Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexis II is expected to visit Belarus.

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