The Vitebsk diocese of the Belarusian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, which includes the city of Vitebsk and the entire eastern part of the region, is one of the oldest in Eastern Europe. According to the ancient chronicles, already in the middle of the 10th century, that is, even before the baptism of Russia, the first churches were erected on the territory of Vitebsk.
The birth of the Vitebsk diocese
Information about two Orthodox churches built in the city of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga came to us thanks to the work of the Vitebsk historian Stefan Averka, who in 1768 compiled a detailed list of ancient handwritten documents covering the period from 869 to 1709. They indicated that even in the pre-Christian period, a church dedicated to Archangel Michael was erected in the Upper Castle of the city, and in the Lower Castle - the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.
The history of Vitebsk diocese dates back to when, after gaining independence in the 13th century, Prince Vasily Andreevich ruled the city, and then his son Yaroslav Vasilyevich. This was the period of the creation on its territory of a significant number of parishes, united under the authority of the localepiscopate.
Moving the center of the diocese to Vitebsk
But in 1401, after the conquest of Vitebsk by the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vitovt, the religious center of the region moved to Polotsk, and only after more than a century and a half, thanks to the successful campaigns of Ivan the Terrible, the Vitebsk Orthodox diocese regained its independence.
Since 1839, the episcopal chair was moved to Vitebsk, the seat of which was the St. Nicholas Cathedral, which was then on the current Freedom Square. Four years later, its status rose after the transfer of the archbishop's see to it as well.
Diocese life at the end of the 19th century
In 1893, the Vitebsk diocese became famous thanks to the museum opened at its cathedral, which was called the "Church-Archaeological Ancient Repository". His funds occupied part of the premises of the bishop's house, located nearby.
At the end of the 19th century, a large number of monasteries operated on the territory of the diocese, closed and ruined after the Bolsheviks came to power. Of those that were restored as a result of perestroika processes in the country, two can be named, founded back in the 14th century - this is the Holy Trinity Monastery for men, the Holy Spirit for Women.
The period of persecution of the church and its subsequent revival
During the years when large-scale terror was launched throughout the country against the clergy and the most active parishioners, the Vitebsk diocese, like the entire Orthodox Church, suffered irreparable losses. During the mostDuring the harsh repressions of 1931-1932, almost all the clergy of Vitebsk were arrested and partially shot, along with their head, Archbishop Nikolai of Polotsk and Vitebsk. As a result, all 17 previously operating churches were closed in 1938, and most of them were blown up.
The revival of the religious life of Vitebsk, as well as the whole country, began in the late 80s as a result of a radical change in state policy towards the church caused by perestroika. By the decision of the Council of Bishops, held in Moscow in 1992, the Vitebsk diocese was separated from the Polotsk diocese and received an independent status. At that time, only 12 priests remained on its territory, serving in 9 churches.
Today of the Vitebsk diocese
Now the picture has changed dramatically. The diocese includes 2 districts - Orsha and Vitebsk, which together make up 20 deaneries - groups of parishes located in close proximity to each other. There are three spiritual educational institutions on its territory. These are the Vitebsk Theological Seminary and the school located there, as well as the Orsha Women's Theological School. There are 30 churches in Vitebsk alone, where all believing residents of the city receive nourishment.
Work done with children and adults
In most parishes, Sunday schools are organized, as well as various children's circles and sections. General diocesan events are also held, covering the widest range of children. Last year there was a reviewcompetition of children's drawings called "God's world through the eyes of children", which was organized by the Vitebsk diocese. The results of the competition were published on the pages of the local newspaper Our Orthodoxy. The winners received memorable gifts.
Such events have become a good start, which was laid by the Vitebsk diocese. The results of the Easter Egg contest, held in the Polotsk diocese and timed to coincide with the celebration of the Holy Resurrection of Christ in 2016, are a clear confirmation of this. Thanks to such events, thousands of children are involved in the creative process, helping them to learn about the world around them and realize their talents.
Of course, the Vitebsk diocese takes care not only of children, but also of their parents. Pilgrimage trips organized both within the Republic of Belarus and abroad give them the opportunity not only to expand their horizons, but also to bow to many Orthodox shrines.
