Press releases

3 Aug 2018

Thousand pilgrims to flock to Vitebsk Oblast to commemorate Rositsa martyrs

VITEBSK, 3 August (BelTA) – About a thousand pilgrims and believers will gather in the village of Rositsa, Verkhnedvinsk District, Vitebsk Oblast, to commemorate Rositsa martyrs on 3-4 August. The commemorative ceremony to pay tribute to blessed Anthony Leshchevich and Yuri Kashyra will take place in the Trinity Catholic Church, BelTA learned from Father Superior of the church Cheslav Kurechko.

During the Great Patriotic War two Catholic priests were martyred together with their parish. They were beatified by the Catholic Church for their martyrdom. Events to commemorate the priests are held annually in February and August drawing pilgrims from Belarus and abroad.

“Many are already on their way, as part of them is travelling to Rositsa on foot. About a hundred people will come from Druya; some 60 people will arrive from Polotsk. Bikers are also expected. People will come by bicycle, by car and by bus from Borisov, Zhodino, Minsk, Orsha, Polotsk, Novopolotsk, Vitebsk, Braslav, and Miory. Believers from Poland will also come,” Father Cheslav said.

A church service will be held for the pilgrims on 3 August. It will be followed by a night office of vigils that will be administered by Vitebsk Bishop Oleg Butkevich. After that the believers will go in a sacred procession with oil lamps, candles and torches to the place where the martyrs were killed. On Saturday, 4 August, a Eucharist will be administered for those who will arrive on the second day of the commemorative event.

The pilgrims will stay in the rural community center, the pilgrims’ house and a tented camp.