Ancient languages, archeology and excursions: the Winter Bible Institute will be held in Zhirovichi from 10 to 15 January

The annual Winter Biblical Institute will be held in the agro-town of Zhirovichi during the Christmas period - from 10 to 15 January 2027. Full-time intensive study of Holy Scripture and Orthodox theology is organized with the blessing of His Eminence Benjamin, Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslav, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, and with the direct participation of the rector of the Minsk Theological Seminary, Archpriest Viktor Vasilevich. For the information we are interested in, the sb.by correspondent turned to the Vice-Rector for Educational Work of the Minsk Theological Seminary, Priest Artemy Kirko.

According to the priest, the project is doctrinal in nature and is open to everyone.

- We invite everyone who wants to improve their knowledge of the Holy Scriptures to participate. Lectures will be devoted to an in-depth study of the Old and New Testaments. Listeners have the opportunity not only to listen to teachers, but also to ask them exciting questions, discuss topical topics, the source said. The program and audience of the Intensive course is designed for a wide audience: clergy and church workers, students and teachers of secular universities and colleges, as well as all lay people who seek to improve their knowledge in the field of Holy Scripture.

Classes will be conducted by teachers of the Minsk Theological Seminary, the Minsk Theological Academy and invited specialists. The program states the following disciplines: Exegetics (interpretation) of the Old and New Testaments; Introduction to Biblical Studies and Theology of the Epistles of St. Paul; Biblical Archaeology; Basics of Ancient Greek and Hebrew Languages; Missiology and Icon Studies. In addition to lectures and watching thematic films, participants will have a rich spiritual and cultural program. Listeners will be able to join the monastery and seminar services, talk with priests and go on excursions. The program of excursions includes a visit to the Holy Dormition Zhirovichi Monastery, seminary, as well as nearby monasteries - Zosimo-Savvatievsky Monastery in the village of Veliky Krakotka and a convent in honor of St. Ambrose of Optina in the village of Rusakovo.

- Usually a person comes to Zhirovichi for a tour or on a pilgrimage to pray at a holy place. During the courses, all participants additionally have the opportunity to listen to lectures. This approach is often called spiritual and educational tourism, Father Artemiy noted. After an intensive period, people change, they like the local atmosphere and communication with teachers. Part of the graduates of the courses subsequently enter the Department of Distance Learning of the Minsk Theological Seminary. To get to the courses, you need to take the blessing of the parish priest, write a petition and send documents by email to the registration officer. At the end of the six-day training, all students are issued an official certificate of graduation from the Winter Bible Institute. The schedule of all educational projects can be found on the website of the Minsk Theological Seminary minds.by, as well as in social networks of the Theological School.

Belarusian Christmas educational readings will start on November 12. Find out what activities are planned