On the visit of Gomel archivists to the exhibition «Symbols of Church Vestments in the Service of God and People»

On August 8, 2024, employees of the institution «State Archives of the Gomel Region» and the institution «State Archives of Public Associations of the Gomel Region» took part in the grand opening of the exhibition «Symbols of Church Vestments in the Service of God and People», dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the consecration of the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul deservedly has the status of the main Orthodox church in the city of Gomel, and is also a landmark of the Republic of Belarus. The construction of the temple was carried out according to the project of the English architect John Clarke over 10 years and was completed in 1819. The cathedral differed from all Gomel churches in its architectural style and decoration. It was consecrated in 1824, «decorated and furnished with sacred vessels, vestments and other utensils», and «the holy relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker were kept in a mother-of-pearl ark.»

The exhibition is dedicated to the bright memory of the clergy of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, who served God and people faithfully and truly in different historical periods.

The exhibition displays bishop’s vestments, as well as liturgical items for bishop’s services, provided by the Gomel Diocese of the Belarusian Orthodox Church.

The exhibition was ceremonially opened by Archbishop Stefan of Gomel and Zhlobin, who spoke about the history of the cathedral, the work done to prepare the exhibition and blessed those gathered.

1.Grand opening of the exhibition.

2.Director of the institution «State Archives of the Gomel Region» A.N. Sushchevich and the director of the institution «State Archive of Public Associations of the Gomel Region» I.V. Zhineva before the opening of the exhibition.

3. Exhibit of the exhibition: Bishop’s Mantle.

4. At the exhibition.