PHOTOfact: The international expedition "Road to the Shrines" has launched in Minsk

Before the start of the expedition, a prayer service was held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral with the participation of Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus. He emphasized the project's high significance and long-standing continuity. "Over the years, the expedition has covered many routes and spoken many words to spread educational ideas and restore the history of the Fatherland. The project unites scholars, preachers, and all who are inspired by their work," said Metropolitan Veniamin.

According to him, although the expedition's essence has not changed since the first expedition, the process of education itself has become more complex. "The process of revival continues. But we need to speak to modern people in relevant language about those truths and realities of our spiritual heritage that are still unknown and, at the same time, useful for today's Belarusians to know and consider," he noted.

Deputy Information Minister Denis Yezersky announced that the expedition's launch officially opens events for Belarusian Written Language Day, which will be celebrated this year in Kostyukovichi.

"Every time, with a good prayer and a kind word from His Eminence, we begin this important, radiant event, which strengthens not only morality and spirituality, but also our historical memory. It is wonderful that the expedition participants travel through cities with kind words, meet with young people, carry history, and speak of the pure and bright. As we bid you farewell today, we know that we will meet again soon – in Kostyukovichi," said Denis Yezersky.

Deputy Commissioner for Religious and Ethnic Affairs Sergei Gerasimenya emphasized the special atmosphere of the upcoming journey and the importance of preserving spiritual heritage. He stated that holiness will accompany the participants not only in cathedrals and churches, but also at monuments to the defenders of the Fatherland.

"Holiness is all along this road, across the blessed Belarusian land. The state today provides every opportunity to protect, above all, the spirituality of its land," emphasized Sergei Gerasimenya.

Participants in the "Road to the Shrines" will travel approximately 1,200 kilometers through the Minsk, Pinsk, Borisov, and Mogilev dioceses. The column will follow the route Minsk - Svyatoye Pole near the village of Zagorje in the Baranovichi District - Berezino - Klichev - Bobruisk - Mogilev - Gorki - Mstislavl - Kostyukovichi.

According to Alexander Lopata-Zagorsky, head of the scientific and educational expedition, over 420 people have participated in the expedition over the years, and this year's list includes 30 participants, although 26 have confirmed their attendance. The route is always directly connected to the capital of Belarusian Written Language Day. The traditional stop remains Holy Field in the Baranovichi District, and the first day of the journey will be dedicated to the memory of the Holy Martyr Vladimir Khirasko.

Along the route, participants will hold spiritual and educational events, meet with parishioners and work teams, visit memorial complexes and military sites, and visit social institutions. Academic conferences, Belarusian writing lessons, meetings with schoolchildren, and the planting of traditional prayer gardens are also planned.