SLONIM, 18 July (BelTA) - Works to renovate the belfry and the brethren's building in the Holy Assumption Monastery in Zhirovichy must be completed before the end of March of 2020, Head of the Belarus President Administration Natalya Kochanova said as she visited the monastery, BelTA has learned.
May 2020 will mark the 550th anniversary of the Icon of the Mother of God of Zhirovichy and the 500th anniversary of the founding of Holy Assumption Zhirovichy monastery.
“The monastery is an important Orthodox sacred site. The memorable dates will not go unnoticed. The celebrations will attract a large number of guests. It is important to hold the events at the highest level. Preparations are already underway. Soon we will set up an organizing committee and will develop the concept of the celebrations,” Natalya Kochanova said.
During the visit to the monastery, the head of the President Administration examined the progress in the renovation project. The canteen and a hotel for pilgrims have been already commissioned.
Renovations will soon commence on the brethren's building. The project provides for the refurbishing of the facade, roofing, replacement of windows and doors, other repairs.
“It is important to complete the project in Q1 2020 so that the monastery could celebrate the anniversary dates in style. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of work. No drawbacks can be allowed on the site of such importance,” Natalya Kochanova said. She also drew attention to the need for a thorough and balanced approach to the project to landscape the agricultural town of Zhirovichy.
The plan to gear up for the celebrations envisages renovation of nearly 30 facilities, the central square of the agro-town. There are also plans for thermal rehabilitation and repairs of facades, roof renewal at the community center, educational buildings and the dormitory of the agrarian and technical college. Work to overhaul and repair dwelling, renew communication lines, gas, water and electricity supply systems, and replace pavement is underway. All these works need to be completed as soon as possible, with quality unaffected, Natalya Kochanova said.
The Icon of the Mother of God of Zhirovichy is one of the most venerated icons of Belarus. The icon is kept in the Holy Assumption Cathedral of the Zhirovichy Monastery and is regarded as a patron of the country. The icon is respected by the Orthodox and Catholic churches as wonder-working and is among 100 most significant and honored Orthodox icons.
The miraculous appearance of the icon in 1470 and its wonderworking qualities made Zhirovichy a place of pilgrimage. The icon draws people from nearby villages and faraway places. The icon helps them heal and find a way-out in complicated life circumstances. Today, like hundreds of years ago, the Zhirovichy Monastery welcomes believers from Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, the Baltic states and Poland.
Photos by Leonid Shcheglov
