Republic

Alexander Lukashenko: internal peace and social balance are preserved in Belarus

While ethnic and religious conflicts are ablaze in various parts of the planet, internal peace and social balance are preserved in Belarus. Efforts of the orthodox church played their part in achieving this result, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko remarked during a meeting with representatives of the orthodox church on October 24. Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II and Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch for All Belarus Filaret were present during the meeting. Alexander Lukashenko underscored, the church has always been a pillar of the society, a reliable support and aid in the state efforts aimed at preserving spiritual values and ideals. It has never been the cause of religious wars and conflicts. “The destiny of the Belarusian Orthodox Church is inseparable from the destiny of our lands”, stressed the President. The church preserved and transferred the best traditions of mercy, industriousness, loyalty to the motherland to new generations so that everyone could lean on them. Over the last 20 years the number of orthodox parishes has quadrupled in Belarus. There are friaries and nunneries. Temples are being built and restored everywhere. More and more new forms of social services appear, with charity on the rise. Under the auspices of Patriarch Alexy II the magnificent temple of All Saints is being built using the national effort, remarked the President. The head of state drew attention to Alexy II’s high role in the revival of the Russian Orthodox Church. “I am proud of being able to name you my teacher and a true friend. To be sincere, your frankness, spiritual affection and wise advice helped me many times, especially during the initial period of the country’s leadership, to overcome difficulties and make the right decisions,” said Alexander Lukashenko. In the modern society the orthodox church contributes to preserving centuries-old spiritual affinity and civilised foundations of the orthodox world, development of the dialogue between people of various nations and beliefs. Alexander Lukashenko underscored, this is the great mission of the orthodox church in the modern society. The President remarked, the celebration of the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia coincided with the 30th anniversary of the service of Metropolitan Filaret in Belarus. According to the President, the country worthily appreciates his contribution to the revival of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, enhancement of its authority, preservation of peace and accord in the society. The President of Belarus conferred Orders of Honour upon Patriarch Alexy II and Metropolitan Filaret. Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II thanked Alexander Lukashenko for the aid the Belarusian government provides to implementing orthodox church projects. “It is a long-sighted policy aimed at preserving the spiritual legacy of the Belarusian nation,” said the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.

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