Evangelical Christian festival takes place in Minsk, headlined by Franklin Graham

On May 16, a major two-day evangelical Christian forum called the “Festival of Hope” will begin at Minsk’s Čyžoŭka Arena. Admission are be free.

The main guest and speaker at the event will be American evangelical preacher Franklin Graham. He is the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which provides aid to people affected by crises and natural disasters. Graham is also a close friend of U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. special envoy for Belarus John Coale.

Graham holds similar festivals around the world, drawing massive crowds. This is his first visit to Belarus.

On May 15, Graham met with Alexander Lukashenka. Newsweek' journalist Greta Van Susteren, Coale’s wife, was also present at the meeting.

On the eve of the festival, a full dress rehearsal was held, watched by more than 7,500 people from the arena stands.

The organizers promise that these two days will be filled with live music and honest conversations about the main thing — about the search for support, love, and peace in this difficult time.

A grand choir of 1300 performers accompanied by a symphony orchestra will perform for the audience, as well as popular Belarusian artists, invited foreign performers, and bands.

Franklin Graham will address the audience with a message of hope.