On 19 May, 2009 the Icon of Merciful Jesus was taken to the Merciful Mother of God parish in the town of Berazino (Minsk deanery). A holy service was held on that account, which was celebrated by Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, Metropolitan of Minsk and Mahilyow.

A walking path near the chapel was covered with natural flowers, and believers, their faces covered with tears, were greeting the Icon of the Merciful Jesus and relics of the Blessed Pr. Mihal Sopocko. At the beginning the icon was greeted by parish priest, after that believers of older age and youth paid homage to the relic.

Particularly touching were words of a woman, who told a story about a Catholic church that used to be in Berazino, but which was ruined in times of persecution; later a chapel was erected, but it was also destroyed. The town believers, however, stealthily gathered to pray and transmit the faith to new generations.

“Today are having a big joy as Jesus Himself has come to us”, said the woman. On that day parishioners’ love to Christ and their gratitude for that gift could be clearly seen.

Metropolitan Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who headed celebration of the Mass, during his homily, referred to words from refrain from a psalm “Don’t punish us, Lord, for our sins”. “God, whom St. Paul the Apostle calls “generous with mercy”, since creation of the world, through the history of the chosen people, Jesus’ expiation until today has been caring for His people”, said the Metropolitan.

The archbishop reminded that the Berazino parish had the title of the Merciful Mother of God, which means “The Vastrabramskaja Mother of God”. The Metropoltan also told how in years of persecution for faith believers from Belarus and many other republics of the former USSR used to come to Vilnius and through protection of the Mother of God of Vostraja Brama asked for God’s mercy.

“And so there was a miracle – we received freedom of religion,” continued the archpastor. “But today, facing new challenges, we must pray and ask for God’s mercy once more, so that our faith is protected and we ourselves stay faithful to our Christian vocation”.

After the holy service the worshipers honoured the relics of the Blessed Pr. Mihal Sopocko and continued to pray in front of the Icon of Merciful Jesus.