Parental Love Week at the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus

In Belarus, «Parental Love Week» takes place from October 14 to October 21. It encompasses two major family-oriented holidays: Mother’s Day (October 14) and Father’s Day (October 21).

The National Archives of the Republic of Belarus (NARB) hosted a series of events dedicated to motherhood and fatherhood, responsible parenting, and traditional family values.

On the first day of Parental Love Week, October 14, 2026, Deputy Director S.V.Kulinok offered formal congratulations to his colleagues on the occasion of Mother’s Day. He touched upon the historical background of the holiday, which was established by Decree No.277 of the President of the Republic of Belarus, dated July 30, 1996. The date was chosen to coincide with the Orthodox feast of the Intercession of the Theotokos (Pokrov), which has historically been viewed as a symbol of protection, maternal intercession, and mercy. Svyatoslav Valentinovich highlighted the vital role of women—as mothers—in society and wished his colleagues good health, peace of mind, harmony, warmth, and comfort.

In keeping with tradition, the NARB participated in the national trade union campaigns «Let’s Congratulate Mom Together!» and «Let’s Congratulate Dad Together!», which allowed staff to send greeting cards to their loved ones—their mothers and fathers.

The archival sector is predominantly staffed by women who successfully balance their professional responsibilities with raising children. The NARB provides all the necessary conditions for employees to combine motherhood with their careers. On October 15, 2026, the NARB hosted a cultural and educational marathon titled «Women in the History of Belarus», which underscored the significant contributions of women in their professional capacities. «Parental Love Week» serves as a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude to parents for raising their sons and daughters well, and for their contributions to their children’s development, success, and achievements. On behalf of the management and staff of the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus (NARB), letters of appreciation were sent to the parents of employees who have distinguished themselves in their professional and public lives.

Sergey Igorevich Samostiyuk, an archivist in the Department of Records Management and Development of the National Archival Fonds, and his wife, Valeria Dmitrievna, received a congratulatory address from the NARB management and staff on the occasion of their wedding, which took place on October 16. In his message, Deputy Director S.V.Kulinok wished the young couple a long, happy life and prosperity in all their endeavors. He noted that starting a family is a significant, beautiful, and responsible step; registering a marriage during «Parental Love Week» is considered a good omen and lays a solid foundation for future, responsible parenthood.

On October 19, 2026, during an informational meeting, the key events taking place across the country as part of «Parental Love Week» were highlighted.

The primary trade union organization and the NARB branch of the «Belarusian Union of Women» public association organized an exhibition project titled «Everything Begins with Family». The children of staff members contributed drawings and creative works centered on the theme of family. On October 21, the results were announced, and the organizers expressed their gratitude to everyone who took part. In her remarks, N.V.Isaychuk, chair of the NARB primary trade union organization, noted that only a child’s drawing can truly capture the sincerity of such feelings—while also reminding us adults that we, too, were once children who drew pictures of our own parents. Every piece was wonderful, and as a result, every young participant received a well-deserved award.

To mark Father’s Day, which is celebrated annually in Belarus on October 21, a celebratory gathering was held at the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus (NARB). During the event, Deputy Director O.V.Skomoroshchenko congratulated her colleagues, wishing them patience, resilience, the joy of fatherhood, and more time to spend with their families and loved ones. This holiday is a relatively recent addition: Belarusian fathers were officially recognized for the first time in 2022. Father’s Day was established by Decree No.198 of the President of the Republic of Belarus, dated June 9, 2022. Olga Vasilievna noted that we are currently witnessing an era of «engaged fatherhood», where fathers—just like mothers—are actively involved in raising their children and participating in all aspects of their lives. Naturally, a holiday like this serves as an additional source of motivation and helps elevate the status of fatherhood within society.

In this context, «Parental Love Week» consists of a series of events dedicated to strengthening family traditions, promoting conscious parenting, and preserving spiritual and moral values.