Lukashenko presented Derzhavnaya icon of the Mother of God to Church of Holy Prophet John the Baptist on Christmas
On Christmas, the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, has presented a Derzhavnaya (Reigning) icon of the Mother of God – made by masters of Minsk’s St. Elisabeth Convent – to the Church of Holy Prophet John the Baptist in the agricultural town of Shershuny
The icon is painted in the traditional style of the Belarusian school of iconography, in a unique wax tempera technique. The church chronicles contain numerous evidences of how the good power of the Reigning image of the Mother of God changes people's lives. Primarily those suffering from various ailments address it, and the icon helps cope with a disease and its consequences faster.
In addition, Christians who dream of finding a faithful and loving life partner, creating a strong and happy family, and having children cherish this icon. In their prayers, believers mostly ask the Derzhavnaya icon of the Mother of God for peace and war prevention.
Aleksandr Lukashenko has been, in turn, presented with an icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker painted on an alder board with acrylic, covered with gold leaf and decorated with pearls and stones in metal frames. The icon was made in St. Elisabeth Convent’s icon-painting workshops by masters Aleksandra Alekhina (painting) and Anna Dorts (framing).
St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most revered saints who lived in the 4th century. He is revered by all Christian denominations, as well as in Islam, but his worship is especially pronounced in Orthodoxy, including on the Belarusian land – as evidenced by a great number of churches consecrated in his honour. St. Nicholas was nicknamed the Wonderworker during his lifetime. It is believed that, even after death, he continues to work miracles. The memory of this saint is celebrated in Orthodoxy on May 22nd and December 19th.
