The hour of spirituality “Family is the abode of happiness” was held at the Ilyansky school as part of the Week of Parental Lovetranslated

As part of the Week of Parental Love on October 15, 2026 at the State Educational Institution “Ilyansk Secondary School named after A.A. Grimotya" an hour of spirituality was held on the topic "Family is the abode of happiness." The event was held in accordance with the action plan for the implementation of the cooperation program between the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus and the Belarusian Orthodox Church.

The meeting was chaired by the rector of the parish of the Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in the agricultural town of Ilya, Vileika district, Priest Andrei Gromov. Initially, the hour of spirituality was planned for parents and teachers, but to make the conversation lively and interesting, students in grades 5-11 were also invited.

The priest did not give a long lecture. He started with what was closest to him—his family; he talked about himself, his children, how relationships were built in his home, what traditions helped maintain warmth and mutual understanding. For many, such a conversation was unexpected and warm: the priest spoke not “from above,” but as a father, sharing his personal experience.

Then the conversation turned to the Feast of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated on October 14th. The high school students were surprised here: they were the first to tell what kind of holiday it was and where it came from. Father Andrei listened carefully and added to their story: in ancient...