With the blessing of the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, the ecclesiastical competition of the Belarusian Exarchate "Heart of Mercy" was established, designed to celebrate the selfless work of the sisters of mercy serving in hospitals, hospices, boarding schools and at home.
The competition is an important initiative of the Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Service of the Belarusian Exarchate, aimed at supporting those who daily implement the commandment of love for one's neighbor. The main award for the winners will be a badge "Sister of Mercy of the Belarusian Exarchate" of a special design.
In order to cover all facets of church social service, the competition is held in five categories:
1. "Fidelity to vocation" — for sisters with many years of experience and authority in the community;
2. "White Angel" — for service in medical institutions (including intensive care, oncology, palliative care);
3. "Silent feat" — for regular patronage care at home;
4. Mother's Heart — for helping children in hospitals and social institutions;
5. "The Future of Mercy" is for young sisters (under 30 years old) who have shown special initiative.
The competition cycle will be held annually and will end with a solemn awarding ceremony at the Republican Forum of the Sisters of Mercy of the Belarusian Exarchate in late May — early June.
The selection process consists of several stages: from the submission of applications on the ground to the work of an expert commission that evaluates not only professional skills, but also the spiritual and moral component of service. The Expert Council pays attention to the feedback from the wards, the consistency of the work and the personal initiative of the sisters.
The sisterhoods of the dioceses of the Belarusian Exarchate are invited to participate. Each candidate must be submitted by the diocesan Department for Church Charity and Social Service with the blessing of the ruling bishop.
The package of documents includes: a form of presentation for the award (questionnaire); a description from the elder sister; a written recommendation from the confessor of the community; a creative essay or video interview on the topic "What do I see the meaning of sisterhood?".