Belarus Honors Orthodox Heritage with New Postal Stamps

OCP News Service – 20/09/2024

Minsk-Belarus: A significant event took place on September 19, 2024, as Belarus commemorated its rich Orthodox heritage through the release of a new postal block, “Architecture of Belarus. Orthodox churches.”

The block features two stamps showcasing the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Gomel, celebrating its 200th anniversary, and the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Murovanka, marking its 500th anniversary.

The Ministry of Communications and Informatization, in collaboration with the Republican Unitary Postal Service Enterprise “Belpochta” and the Belarusian Orthodox Church, created this commemorative postal block. With a circulation of 35,000 copies for each stamp and 10,000 for the block, the project aims to preserve and promote Belarus’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

The solemn ceremony to launch the new stamps took place at the Minsk diocesan administration, gathering representatives from the clergy, government, and philately community. The highlight of the event was the official cancellation of the stamps on the First Day envelope, performed by Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, and Minister of Communications and Informatization Konstantin Shulgan.

Both the Patriarchal Exarch and the Minister emphasized the significance of this project in preserving Belarus’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The stamps serve as bridges between generations, connecting the past with the present.

Additional stamp cancellation ceremonies were held in Gomel and Murovanka, where the respective churches are located.

Since 1992, Belarus has issued over 100 postal projects dedicated to Orthodoxy, with the first one honoring the Cross of St. Euphrosyne of Polotsk. This latest project adds to the growing collection of artistic stamps that celebrate the country’s Orthodox heritage.

Source:

OCP News Service