Festive Liturgies in Belz Honoring the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas
Today, 05/09/2025, festive liturgies were held in Belz to commemorate the day of the translation of the relics of Saint Nicholas from Myra in Lycia to the Italian city of Bari — an event that became significant for the entire Christian tradition back in the XI century.
Spiritual Significance of the Feast
This holiday holds deep spiritual and historical meaning: it honors not only the memory of a great servant of God but also the preservation of faith during times of trials.
Both churches in Belz gathered the faithful today for communal prayer. The head of the Belz community, Oksana Bereza, joined the services, supporting the tradition of unity and respect for the spiritual heritage of our people.
Commemoration and Awarding
On this occasion, Ms. Bereza congratulated the church rectors, Father Oleksiy Yavorskyi and Father Mykola Kovalchuk, on the church feast, and wished the priests and parishioners harmony in their homes and God’s protection, while also thanking our military for their defense.
Another significant event was the awarding of a state honor, the ‘Cross of Honor,’ to Father Oleksiy Yavorskyi on behalf of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, for his special merits in strengthening the nation’s defense capability.
May the example of Saint Nicholas inspire us to charity, sincerity, and care for others. In the unity of prayer lies the strength of the community and faith in a better future. Pray to God for us, Saint Nicholas.