Opinions & Interviews
Metropolitan Veniamin leads festivities to celebrate 800th anniversary of St. Elisha of Lavrishevo Monastery
NOVOGRUDOK DISTRICT, 5 November (BelTA) - The revival of St. Elisha of Lavrishevo Monastery is a testament to the Lord's favor towards modern people, Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of all Belarus, told the media, BelTA has learned.
“The monastery, which was founded here 800 years ago, has experienced various periods: both prosperity and decline, and a period when only wasteland remained here. The fact that the monastery is now revived is a testament that the Lord favors modern people, that all difficulties and trials are overcome with the Lord. The Lord loves and preserves our land and inspires people to do all that is good and useful,” Metropolitan Veniamin noted, adding that people need to respond, offer prayers, and observe God's commandments.
As the Patriarchal Exarch of all Belarus emphasized, today is a triumph of Orthodoxy in the land of Novogrudok, in the land of Belarus. “Remembering the past centuries, we turn to God with gratitude for what we have today. Nature itself testifies to God's favor, as do the joyful faces of the many people gathered here, who have come from different countries,” he said.
“We believe that this celebration will grow with the years. And the monastery will prosper with each passing year. Today's prayers and our hopes and aspirations are for this," the Metropolitan noted.
According to the Patriarchal Exarch of all Belarus, the monastery, during the time of Saint Elisha of Lavrishevo and in the subsequent period, was, as historians attest, a cultural and spiritual center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania: “Amidst paganism, this amazing monastery flourished, attracting people, shining with the light of Christian faith, and helping people to see the best in life, to abandon pagan views on life and customs, and to embrace Christian customs and traditions in all their beauty.”
“The fact that the Lavrishevo Gospel was written here at the end of the 13th century also speaks volumes. They cared for, collected, and wrote books, and the monastery was adorned with church utensils, books, and, most importantly, with people. The first, of course, was Elisha of Lavrishevo and his associate Grigory, who preserved a brief historical record. This history is still being written today," Metropolitan Veniamin said.
The events at St. Elisha of Lavrishevo Monastery began with a liturgical prayer service, followed by a general confession, an akathist to Saint Elisha of Lavrishevo and the liturgical hours. The monastery ceremoniously welcomed Metropolitan Veniamin, after which the Divine Liturgy commenced. Following the liturgy, a cross procession took place, after which Metropolitan Veniamin consecrated the chapel of the Zhirovichi Icon of the Mother of God.
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