All-night vigil in the cathedraltranslated

July 5, 2026 · 1 min read

His Eminence Stefan, Archbishop of Gomel and Zhlobin, on July 4, 2026, on the eve of the 5th Sunday after Pentecost, celebrated an all-night vigil in the Peter and Paul Cathedral of the city of Gomel.

His Eminence was co-served by the secretary of the Gomel diocese, Archpriest Georgy Alampiev, and the clergy of the cathedral.

At the end of the service, Bishop Stefan anointed the faithful with consecrated oil, addressed the worshipers with words of edification and gave everyone the archpastoral blessing.

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Miloš Marković

It's good that Vladyka Stefan sam pomazyval vseh eleem, not just blessed and went in. I remember that last year after such a vigil in Petro-Pavlovsk, many people said that this anointing in particular supported it. Interesting, what did he talk about in the first place?

Thoma Nako

It's good that Vladyka Stefan himself anointed everyone with holy oil, as they say. Last year, after such a vigil in Petropavlovsk, many people said that that very moment gave them strength. Does anyone remember what exactly was said in his speech this time?

Ana Kostić

I agree, that personal anointing means a lot, it's not the same when someone just blesses and leaves. Last year, after the vigil, I also went home with some peace that lasted a day or two. And do you remember at least one sentence from his continuation or did you just hear him speak?

Zoran Živković

I agree, that anointing after the service really leaves a deeper mark. I remembered how he said that peace is not preserved if we do not share it with our neighbors at home, that stuck with me. And you, Ana, what did you take away from those words the most?

Andrea Prifti

Yes, I also saw that Vladyka Stefan himself anointed everyone, one by one, without haste. His speech this time was simple, he reminded me of how he told us not to let our hearts get cold from daily chores, but to seek the peace of Christ in the family and at work. What did you think of that part?

Marija Stojanović

I agree, personal anointing is something special. Last year, after that vigil, I also felt that my soul was lighter, as if something had really passed over us. And you, Miloš, were you there on the 4th of July or did you just read?

Tamara Pavlović

Yes, a personal anointing is really different, it's like having something really lifted off your shoulders. I was at that vigil last year and afterwards I sat in the church gate for a long time, I didn't want to interrupt anything. And you, Maria, did you go for a walk after that or did you go home right away?

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