Gomel, Belarus, September 13, 2022
church.by
According to the decision of local authorities, a street in the Belarusian city of Gomel will be renamed in honor of His Eminence Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeyev), who served as Metropolitan of Minsk for 35 years.
A green area in the city will also be named for His Eminence Archbishop Aristarkhy (Stankevich), who headed the Gomel Diocese for 22 years.
The decision was made at the last session of the Gomel City Council, reports the Belarusian Orthodox Church.
The proposals to honor the Metropolitan and Archbishop were met with popular support before being formally submitted to the Council, as both hierarchs are known for their exceptional personal contribution to the revival of Church life in Belarus.
During Met. Philaret’s 35-year tenure at the head of the Belarusian Church, historical dioceses were revived and new dioceses were created. 24 female and 10 male monasteries were opened. Hundreds of new churches were built, and many others were restored and rebuilt. In 2006, he was awarded the title of “Hero of Belarus” for his extensive contribution to the spiritual revival of the Belarusian people.
Abp. Aristarkhy led the Gomel diocese for 22 years until his repose on April 23, 2012. During his time, 134 churches were restored or built, monastic life was revived in four monasteries, and two saints were glorified. In 2011, he was awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of the City of Gomel” for his great personal contribution to the revival of spirituality, significant work on the construction of new and the revival of destroyed churches, and active work on the spiritual and moral education of the younger generation.
In October of last year, a street in the city of Grodno was named for Met. Philaret, and in May of this year, a monument was opened in his honor in Minsk.
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