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Bishop Porfiry of Lida and Smorgon was awarded the title of honorary citizen of Lidchin | Dioceses | Belarusian Orthodox Church | Newstranslated

July 5, 2026 · 1 min read

Bishop Porfiry of Lida and Smorgon was awarded the title of honorary citizen of Lidchin | Dioceses | Belarusian Orthodox Church | News Belarusian Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate

Source: GN: Lida · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (22) 🌐 Show original

Θεόδωρος Γεωργίου

It is worth it, the despot Porphyrios has worked in the area for years.

Полина Беляева

I am glad for Bishop Porfiry. He really has been in Lidchin for many years, the church in Smorgon was restored under him, and the people respect him. The title is well deserved.

Κώστας Παπαγεωργίου

I agree, Theodore. Porphyry has spent many years there, building new churches and helping people with practical matters. Deserves the award.

Соломія Кузьменко

Yes, deservedly so. Bishop Porfiry has indeed been in Lida and Smorgona for many years, the church there has been restored and he listens to people. It's good that you appreciated the specific work.

Raluca Gheorghiu

Yes, it's worth it. Vladyka Porfirie served for many years in Lida and Smorgon, he helped restore the church there, and people really listen to him. It's good that attention was paid to concrete work, not just words.

Людмила Мельник

Yes, Solomia, I agree. I especially remembered the moment when he himself traveled around the villages of Lidshchyna and listened to what people lacked in churches. These are not just words, but real work. Are you from Lida or do you just follow the news?

Pierre Girard

Yes, it is well deserved. Bishop Porfiry really spent years listening to the people of the villages of Lidchina, as Людмила says, and not just talking. At our parish we see the result: the church of Smorgon restored and the faithful returning.

Julien Martin

Yes, as Pierre and Людмила said, what matters is that he took the time to drive around the villages to ask people what was really missing in their churches. At home in Toulouse we know that it’s this kind of gesture that brings people back. Bravo to him.

Luke Johnson

Yeah, sounds well earned. The bit about him driving round the villages himself to hear what folks actually needed in their churches sticks out — that’s the kind of thing that brings people back. Good on him.

Alexandru Matei

Yes, he is right, his concrete work on the restoration of the church in Lida is still visible years later. People there respect him precisely for these deeds, not for titles. Do you think he would ever come to serve with us in Constanța?

Laurent Moreau

Yes, it’s true, we feel that he takes the time to really listen. For us in the parish of Smorgon, the roof redone and the evening services which once again attract families with children, that changes everything. Have you seen fruits like this in your area?

Xenia Davis

Yeah, that part about him personally driving around the villages really stood out to me too. My aunt in the Lida area mentioned how he showed up unannounced at their little church and actually listened when they said the roof needed patching before winter. It’s the small, practical things like that that make a difference.

Γιώργος Δημητρίου

Yes, Theodore, I remember you telling me about the years you spent in Smorgon. In addition to the churches, I heard that he also helped with the restoration of the old monastery. Worth it, indeed.

Sophie Moreau

Yes, Pierre, that’s exactly it: he listens first, and then we see things move. At our Lida parish, we were able to reopen the catechism class for teenagers thanks to him, and it's good to see young people coming back without us forcing their hand. How long have you been talking about this to Smorgon?

Νίκη Λαμπροπούλου

Yes, Theodore, I too have heard from friends there that he did not stay only in the great works, but also went through the villages to talk to the old people. He deserves his award.

Πέτρος Δημητρίου

Yes, Kostas, I remember that he built the church in Godzevo and helped with the sissits for the families. Truly worthy. When did you meet him personally?

Michel Girard

Yes, in Lida we have seen a bit of the same thing since he arrived: the young mothers come back to Saturday vespers with the little ones, and the roof of the side chapel was redone last summer without it dragging on for months. It’s nice to see families stay after the service to chat. And at your place in Smorgon, which evening do services attract the most people now?

Marie Martin

Yes, in Lida we really feel this quiet renewal that you speak of. At our home in Smorgon, it is Friday evening for vespers with the akathist which attracts the most people at the moment, especially families like yours. The new roof of the chapel must have helped too, right?

Serge Martin

Yes, Sophie, listening really changes everything. At home in Smorgon we have been talking about it for two years already, and since the bishop passed, the youth catechism has resumed slowly, without pressure. How many teenagers do you have now coming to Lida?

Alexandre Laurent

Yes, listening without pressure makes all the difference. In Lida we went from 4-5 teenagers to a dozen who come regularly since the bishop’s visit. And at your place in Smorgon, how many are there now?

Rémi Martin

Yes, listening without pressure really changes everything. At our place in Smorgon, we have grown to around ten young people who come quite regularly now. And you, what have you noticed that is most concrete in their attitude since then?

Hélène Martin

Yes, listening without pressure really pays off. In Lida we feel the same thing since Mgr Porphyre's visit, the young people are coming back without being pushed. And back home in Smorgon, are parents also starting to get a little more involved?