More than 1,500 children from the Chernobyl-hit areas of Brest, Gomel, Grodno and Mogilev regions participated in the 25th nationwide charity Christmas children's event. The event traditionally opened with the Christmas liturgy at Holy Spirit Cathedral. Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavl Pavel, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, wished the kids Merry Christmas, said a prayer for the children of Belarus, and blessed the participants. In response, the children offered Metropolitan Pavel their greetings and gave him hand-made souvenirs, including a Christmas cake with 25 candles in honor of the anniversary of the event.
In the photo: Charity event.