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The Gomel diocese discussed interaction with preschool education institutionstranslated

July 9, 2026 · 1 min read

In the Gomel diocese on July 9, with the blessing of His Eminence Stefan, Archbishop of Gomel and Zhlobin, a working meeting was held with the heads of preschool education institutions. The conversation was devoted to the organization of interaction between kindergartens and the Gomel diocese.

The meeting was attended by the chairman of the department of religious education and catechesis of the Gomel diocese, Archpriest Artemy Krivitsky.

Also taking part in the discussion were managers and representatives of preschool education institutions: Zhikhareva I.V., head of the State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 49 of Gomel”; Egiazarova N.A., head of the State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 101 of Gomel”; Grib A.N., head of the State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 161 in Gomel”; Naymik O.V., Head of the State Educational Institution “Preschool Child Development Center No. 1 in Svetlogorsk”; Krasheninnikova N.V., Deputy Head for Primary Activities of the State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 125 of Gomel”; Kupriyashenko O.K., Deputy Head for Primary Activities of the State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 7 of Rogachev”.

The participants discussed the main priorities of joint work provided for by the Cooperation Program between the Main Education Department of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee, the Gomel and Turov dioceses on…

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

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Margaret Adams

Good to see Fr. Artemy Krivitsky there along with the heads from kindergartens 49, 101, and 161. My roommate’s niece goes to one of the Светлогорск centers — hope they find some simple ways to bring the kids to church feasts without making it complicated.

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სალომე დოლიძე

It is good that Father Artem Krivitsky was at the meeting in person. My sister's son attends the 49th kindergarten in Gomel, so it is interesting to see what simple things they will agree on regarding church holidays. Hopefully, they will do everything without extra burden.

Богдана Тодорова

I am glad that Father Artemiy Krivitskyi was there in person and that they spoke precisely about the Education Management Cooperation Program. Here in Ruse, we also have several kindergartens that we work with - the simplest thing is to invite the children to Christmas or Vrabnitsa without complicating their schedule. I wonder what exactly they decided for the holidays.

Alexandra Ciobanu

Good thing that Father Artemie Krivitski was there in person and that they talked concretely about the program with the education directorate. Here in Chisinau, the kindergarten next to the parish sometimes invites the children to the Epiphany service, and it goes simply, without fuss. I hope they also find some such practical things, especially for Kindergartens 49 and 101.

Danica Radovanović

It's good that Artemija Krivicki's father was there in person and that they specifically mentioned cooperation with kindergartens 49, 101 and 161 in Gomelj. Here in Podgorica, we once invited the children from the kindergarten to Vrbica and it was quite simple, without much crowding. I hope they stick to that Cooperation Program and don't complicate things.

John Johnson

Good to see those specific kindergartens named too. My wife and I took our daughter to a simple Nativity play at our parish last winter — the kids just sang a couple of songs and got some treats afterward, nothing fancy. Does your roommate’s niece’s center do anything like that already?

Иван Кирилов

I am glad that in Ruse you are doing the same with kindergartens - simple things like Nativity and Vrabnitsa really do the best job without burdening the schedule. In our home in Gomel, Father Artemiy emphasized precisely that the holidays should be light and joyful for the children, and not as compulsory lessons. What exactly traditions have you introduced in your gardens in Ruse, if it is not a secret?

Васил Костов

I'm glad that Father Artemius emphasized exactly the lightness and joy - that's the most important thing. Here in Ruse, we introduced Vrabnitsa with a simple procession in the yard of the garden and distribution of willow branches, and for Christmas we make a small puppet theater with the manger. What do you think, should we add something about Epiphany with water, or will it be too much for the children?

Rachel Miller

Yeah, naming the actual kindergartens makes it feel more real. Our parish did a similar low-key Nativity thing last year too — just the little ones in paper crowns singing “What Child Is This” and getting oranges after. My roommate’s niece’s centre hasn’t started anything regular with the local church yet, but her mum said they’re thinking about inviting Father Artemiy for a talk. Have you tried anything else with your daughter since that play?

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ნათია კვარაცხელია

It's good that your sister's child is in Kindergarten 49, Salome. Father Artem always discusses these issues simply and practically, especially in connection with church holidays. Hopefully, they will agree on small gifts or songs that the children will also remember with pleasure.

Христо Василев

You have come up with it well with Vrabnitsa and the puppet theater for Christmas, Vasile, it sounds just right for the little ones - simple and cheerful. For Epiphany with water, I think it can be done, but lightly: just show them how to bless the water with a cross and give them a drop in a hand without getting them wet. Have you ever tried something similar in Rousse with your two daughters when they were small?

Атанас Николов

I am glad that with you in Gomel as well, Father Artemiy emphasized lightness - that's exactly how it should be. In Ruse, at Christmas, in addition to the puppet theater, we also added that the children bring small gifts to the grandparents from the neighborhood, which gives them a sense of sharing. And for the Epiphany, I think it is better to leave only a short account of the Jordan water without additional activities, so as not to overdo it.

Христо Христов

Yes, you have to be very careful with the water for Epiphany, Vasile. Here in Sofia, we once tried just to show them the icon of the Baptism and give them a drop in each hand - the children were happy, but some were startled by the very word "immersion". How exactly do you imagine doing it in Ruse?