Alexander Lukashenko lights Christmas candle at Church of St. Elizabeth Monastery in Minsk

Orthodox believers in Belarus are celebrating Christmas today. This is probably one of the main holidays, with deep spiritual meaning. Solemn liturgies are held in all the churches of the country. By a good tradition, our President shared this bright holiday with the believers. Alexander Lukashenko lit a Christmas candle at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in St. Elizabeth Monastery. This place has been a symbol of faith, love and support for many years. In his speech, the Head of State addressed not only those, who came to the church, but all Belarusians. In these first days of 2020 it is so important to understand how the country will continue to live. Yes, the year is not expected to be the easiest one, the President reminded, but together we will be able to live it with dignity, preserving our country, our independence. After all, the key to our success is unity. And in many ways we keep this unity thanks to the church. 

St. Elizabeth women's monastery has been a place of comfort for orphans, people with disabilities and patients of psychoneurological boarding schools for many years. All those in particular need of support, understanding and care find this care here. That is why today we have been reminded once again how important it is to protect good and justice in this fragile world, that the desire to love and forgive, to live in harmony is much more important than ambition and vanity.