Belarusian Catholics celebrate Easter

11 Apr 2020

Belarusian Catholics and Protestants, together with millions of believers around the world, celebrated the Easter on 12 April. This year, Christians celebrated the great holiday carrying the message of salvation and hope for eternal life amid the unprecedented precautions because of the coronavirus pandemic.

For the first time in history, the Pope delivered the Easter Urbi et Orbi not from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in front of the crowded Vatican Square, but in the almost empty hall of the temple in the presence of only a few dozen ministers and guests. Thus, the pontiff emphasized the loneliness the humanity is facing at a time of restrictions and quarantine. The Pontiff remembered the coronavirus patients and their families, praying especially for those not able to be with their relatives in their final moments. He thanked health personnel, and asked governments to put differences aside and act as a team, giving priority to the interest of the sick.

New measures were taken in Belarusian churches to prevent the spread of the infection. Many church goers attended services wearing face masks and following necessary safety rules.

To ensure safety of people during the Easter celebrations Metropolitan of Minsk and Mogilev Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz addressed the faithful to “take into account the state of your health and practice social distancing during your visit to church.” Many worshipers, especially senior citizens, decided to stay home and watch the church services on TV and online.

Bishop Aleksandr Kashkevich led Easter Vigil in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Grodno on 11 April. The main Easter celebrations in the Belarusian capital were held in the Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary and featured a sacred procession and a church service led by Metropolitan Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz. On that day Belarusian Catholics prayed for the health of their loved ones, all people and for a prompt end to the pandemic.

Catholic Easter 2020: Food blessing, prayers, church services and a sacred procession along Minsk streets in our photo gallery

For the first time in history, the Pope delivered the Easter Urbi et Orbi not from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in front of the crowded Vatican Square, but in the almost empty hall of the temple in the presence of only a few dozen ministers and guests. Thus, the pontiff emphasized the loneliness the humanity is facing at a time of restrictions and quarantine. The Pontiff remembered the coronavirus patients and their families, praying especially for those not able to be with their relatives in their final moments. He thanked health personnel, and asked governments to put differences aside and act as a team, giving priority to the interest of the sick.

New measures were taken in Belarusian churches to prevent the spread of the infection. Many church goers attended services wearing face masks and following necessary safety rules.

To ensure safety of people during the Easter celebrations Metropolitan of Minsk and Mogilev Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz addressed the faithful to “take into account the state of your health and practice social distancing during your visit to church.” Many worshipers, especially senior citizens, decided to stay home and watch the church services on TV and online.

Bishop Aleksandr Kashkevich led Easter Vigil in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Grodno on 11 April. The main Easter celebrations in the Belarusian capital were held in the Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary and featured a sacred procession and a church service led by Metropolitan Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz. On that day Belarusian Catholics prayed for the health of their loved ones, all people and for a prompt end to the pandemic.

Catholic Easter 2020: Food blessing, prayers, church services and a sacred procession along Minsk streets in our photo gallery

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Blessing of Easter food on Holy Saturday

Festive service in the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer

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