Belarus values and cherishes the absence of problems in the interfaith relations. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, on June 20 at a meeting with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', as reported to BELTA by the press service of the Head of State.
Belarus values and cherishes the absence of problems in the interfaith relations. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, on June 20 at a meeting with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', as reported to BELTA by the press service of the Head of State.
The President noted that Patriarch Kirill had visited Belarus on numerous occasions, and this time he would visit the south of the country, where many Catholics reside. "Orthodoxy is also very strong there, on the western borders of our country, as never before. Catholics and Orthodox Christians live very peacefully; we have no claims against each other," said Aleksandr Lukashenko. "We try to help both, so that people are comfortable and everyone finds their way to the temple."
Representatives of various denominations live in Belarus, and in matters of religion, "people decide for themselves where they want to be and how they want to be," emphasized the Head of State. The country values the absence of problems in the relations between believers and intends to preserve this state of affairs. "I do not see any problems in the relations between our believers. We value this very much and will protect it as much as possible," stressed the President.
The importance of this is evidenced by the situation in Ukraine. The conflict there began precisely with a schism in the church, "when spiritual values were betrayed, when they began to be trampled upon." "All this has moved into the realm of military confrontation," stated the Belarusian leader.
The Head of State emphasized that Belarus's peacekeeping mission to resolve the situation in Ukraine is well-known. "You cannot escape from it. We are brothers, Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians; we come from the same root. It pains us when misfortune befalls our brothers," said Aleksandr Lukashenko. "We will do everything to somehow mitigate the situation, and if possible, to stop this fratricidal war."
The President expressed his gratitude to Patriarch Kirill for everything he does for Belarus. The country is well aware of the Patriarch's dedicated role and his attitude towards the country. "I always appreciate and have appreciated this, and I am always grateful to you for all the good you do for our country, both as Patriarch and as a Russian person," said the Head of State. Belarus is a Slavic cradle, added Alexander Lukashenko. According to him, Patriarch Kirill has visited Belarus many times and has been able to see for himself how devoted Belarusians are to their spiritual roots and values.
Patriarch Kirill, in turn, thanked Belarus for its role in organizing negotiations to resolve the situation in Ukraine. He emphasized that what is happening now in Ukraine, a fraternal country, is a great sorrow for him. "This is truly a wound in my heart," said the Patriarch. "The Orthodox canonical Church has members in its flock from both the East and the West. This imposes a very special responsibility on the Church."
"Today, our Church is the only organization in Ukraine and the only force that has preserved its peacekeeping potential, because it has not identified itself with any of the parties," emphasized Patriarch Kirill. He stated that it is impossible to divide the flock along political lines: "There are Orthodox people on both sides, and people are suffering and dying on both sides."
The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church said that he particularly wanted to visit Belarus in the year of the 70th anniversary of Victory. He noted that every time he visits the country, he experiences warm and joyful feelings. "But besides that, when I set foot on Belarusian soil, I always remember Belarus's special contribution to the defense of the Fatherland in the last great war. I particularly wanted to come in the year of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Victory," said Patriarch Kirill.
"Belarus was the first to meet those terrible hordes that descended upon our land. At the cost of enormous sacrifices, it was achieved that the enemy could not swiftly advance hundreds of kilometers separating the western border from the capital," noted the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.
He stressed that Belarus played a special role in the Great Victory, and in the year of its 70th anniversary, he considers it his duty to bow to the heroes who fell for the freedom and independence of the Fatherland.
The Patriarch thanked for the opportunity to visit the Brest Fortress, near the walls of which his uncle fell. "This holy place is an example of heroism, courage, the ability of people not just to their physical limits, but beyond any physical capabilities to fight the enemy and be faithful to their oath," he said.
During the meeting, Patriarch Kirill presented the President of Belarus with the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov, 1st Class, and also gifted an icon of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir.
Alexander Lukashenko presented the Patriarch with the icon "Guardian Angel". It is a relief image of a guardian angel, made of silver using chasing technique. In addition, the Head of State gave the Patriarch a brief tour of the halls of the Palace of Independence, where the meeting took place.
News of Belarus (BELTA)