The way towards God is not easy. one shoud overcome more than hundred steps to realize the word of Bible, to feel reverence towards the icons of God, the Virgin and the holies. Just behind the Philharmonic Theatre you can see those steps which lead to the shop "Orthodox Book" situated in Berestayanskaya St.,17.

"I always feel like putting off my cap entering this shop", says Nikolay Bondarik, my colleague who has worked as a photocorrespondent for many years.

Only a year ago it was an odd place with a small desolate cafe. Jortunately there were some people united by their faith and will, who were called "Orthodox Initiative" and who decided to build up this shop for the needs of many people. They were supported by the authorities of several plents, such as "Termoplast" or "Beltrubprovodstroy" for ex., with money and building material. We should also speak about the leader of the "Orthodox Initiative", Vladimir Chertovich, who gave up his career and devoted himself to God.

As a result, here in Minsk, we have the only shop of such a kind in the whole former USSR.

Entering the shop you are putting yourself in the divine atmosphere of Love and peace coming from the icons. In old times there was hardly a family who didn't have at least a small one. It was not a fashion. It was a time- honoured custom, going from generation to generation to bless the house by icons, which gave the peace to people. And now different icons are available to the customer at the "Orthodox Book". You can see there the rich collection of Literature:the Lives of the Saints, etc. "Orthodox Book" provides our churches with icons and different church's eguipment, because it has its own hand-made goods. And many priests from different places of Belarus come here to buy priest's clothes, candlesticks, icon-lamps and thuribles. People buy prauer- books and children orthodox magazines also here.

"I am in high spirits"-feels almost everybody leaving this place. Comfort your soul also...