Alcoholics plant Sobriety Alley in Vitsyebsk region (Photo)

Alcoholics Anonymous in Belarus planted a Sobriety Alley with cedars in the village of Masar, Hlybokaye district, this past weekend.

The idea of planting an alley that would symbolize life without alcohol belonged to a local Roman Catholic priest, Yazas Bulka, a fierce anti-alcohol campaigner.

Taking part in the action were members of the Alcoholics Anonymous groups in Vitsyebsk, Hlybokaye, Minsk and other Belarusian cities.

Stones with engraved text about the harmful effects of alcohol abuse will be put up along the 300-meter long alley near the St. Anna church. There are plans to open a café there that will offer only non-alcoholic beverages, fruit and sweets.

“I believe that this will be a step toward new life for those who suffer from alcohol abuse,” the priest commented to BelaPAN.

Yazas Bulka has founded the first-ever anti-alcohol museum in the country, inviting local moonshine producers to turn in their moonshine stills. He also barred local residents abusing alcohol from his prayer services. In 2005, he became the first Roman Catholic priest to be awarded the Belarusian leader’s For Spiritual Revival prize.