On January 8, 2025, a solemn ceremony of awarding the prizes of the President of the Republic of Belarus "For Spiritual Revival", a special award to cultural and artistic figures, as well as the Belarusian Sports Olympus Award was held at the Palace of the Republic in Minsk.
The Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, took part in the event. The hall was attended by clergymen of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, heads and staff of ministries and departments, parliamentarians, representatives of scientific and creative intelligentsia.
Opening the solemn event, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko noted: "All the achievements of the laureates and their activities have a high spiritual and patriotic sound. This is especially important now, when the country is preparing to celebrate the sacred date — the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. We cherish the memory of the past, confidently move forward and boldly look to the future."
In his welcoming speech, the Primate of the Belarusian Orthodox Church wished the audience Merry Christmas and thanked the laureates for their selfless work, which resulted in high awards. "We believe that many, many people will follow your example, doing their work for the benefit of our Fatherland, for the beautification of the cities and towns of our country," the bishop emphasized.
Vladyka Veniamin expressed confidence that the difficulties encountered in life and in the fate of the country "undoubtedly contribute to making the spiritual and moral components of our society even stronger, even more radiant and bearing good fruit." "Peace, dear Belarus!" said Metropolitan Veniamin in conclusion.
Among the laureates is Archpriest Oleg Kuntsevich, Chairman of the Publishing Council of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, rector of the parish of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Minsk. The clergyman received high public recognition for his great personal contribution to the cause of spiritual enlightenment, moral and patriotic education of young people, preservation of the memory of the heroic deeds of the Belarusian people during the Great Patriotic War and the creation of a museum at the temple dedicated to the fallen prisoners of the Nazi death camp for prisoners of war "Stalag 352" — the place of death and burial of more than 80,000 Soviet prisoners of war.
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The Award of the President of the Republic of Belarus "For Spiritual Rebirth" was established in 1997 on the initiative of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. It is awarded annually for outstanding works of literature and art and/or active work in the humanitarian field, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of national cultural heritage, fostering love for the Fatherland among young people, affirming spiritual values and artistic and moral traditions, ideas of humanity, charity and mercy. Cultural figures, literature, art, architecture, healthcare, education, science, social protection, mass media, foster parents, guardians, clergy, other persons, as well as authors, creative and other groups of workers can be nominated for the award.