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Pilgrims of the Gomel Diocese Visited the Sacred Sites of Polotsktranslated

July 19, 2026 · 1 min read

With the blessing of Most Reverend Stephen, Archbishop of Gomel and Zlobin, the faithful of the Gomel Diocese embarked on a pilgrimage to Polotsk on July 17–18. Father Andrew Kisel, head of the Department for the Development of Pilgrimage and the Veneration of Relics, led the group.

On the first day, participants visited the Epiphany Cathedral, learning about its history and sacred relics. They then proceeded to Sophia Cathedral, followed by a guided tour of Polotsk’s historic center, where they discovered the city’s rich Christian heritage spanning centuries.

The main destination of the pilgrimage was the Stavropegial Women’s Monastery of the Savior and St. Euphrosyne. In the evening, participants joined the divine services at the monastery.

On July 18, pilgrims attended the Divine Liturgy and partook of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. Following the service, they were given a guided tour of the monastery, learning about the history of its churches, venerating the relics, and gaining insight into the monastic life of the Stavropegial Monastery of the Savior and St. Euphrosyne.

Source: Site: Гомельская епархия · Read the full story →

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Emily Bennett

Nice to see Fr. Andrei Kisel leading the group again. The visit to the Spaso-Evfrosinievsky monastery on the second day sounds especially good — being able to pray at Liturgy, receive Communion and then walk around the grounds with a proper tour. Did they manage to venerate St. Euphrosyne’s relics while they were there?

Ζωή Λαμπροπούλου

It's good that Fr. Andreas Kissel led the team again. The part with the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Communion in the monastery of Euphrosyne seemed to me the most essential. Did they manage to worship the holy Euphrosyne?

Μαρία Παππά

Yes, the Divine Liturgy and Communion in the monastery was indeed the most essential, as you say. The article doesn't say if they had time to worship Saint Euphrosyne specifically, but from previous visits I know that they usually leave it for the end of the tour. How do you imagine this piece?

Paul Taylor

Yes, they did venerate St. Euphrosyne’s relics right after the tour of the monastery grounds. Fr. Andrei always makes sure there’s enough time for that; I remember him doing the same on the last Gomel trip to Polotsk. Did you ever get to stay for the evening service there yourself?

Mark Wilson

Yes, Fr. Andrei always builds in that extra time at the relics — good to hear it hasn't changed. I stayed for the evening service on my visit two years back; the acoustics in the old church there made the singing feel especially close. Have you been back since that last Gomel group trip?

Βασιλική Θεοδώρου

Yes, I agree, the Mass and Communion was the main thing. From what I also remember, Saint Euphrosyne is usually left at the end of the tour, after visiting the churches. When was the last time you went?

Μιχάλης Χατζής

Yes, Mass and Communion give meaning to the whole excursion. From what I know, after touring the churches they are usually taken straight to the place where the relics of Saint Euphrosyne are kept, to worship quietly. When was the last time you went?

Thomas Hall

Yes, Fr. Andrei does make sure we get that quiet time with the relics—it's one of the best parts. The acoustics you mentioned really do pull you in; I felt the same during the evening service. Haven't been back since our group went in spring, but your visit two years ago makes me want to plan another trip soon.

Yes, that quiet time with the relics really stays with you. I went with Fr. Andrei's group last fall and the same thing struck me in the evening service—the way the sound carries in there. Have you thought about going during a weekday to avoid the bigger crowds?