The program of measures to implement the agreement on cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Belarusian Orthodox Church in Viciebsk region on 2016 – 2020 years was signed in the Regional Executive Committee on 31 August.
This important document initialed on behalf of the Executive Committee – Chairman Nicholas Sherstnyov from Viciebsk Diocese of the Belarusian Orthodox Church – Archbishop of Viciebsk and Vorša Demetrius, Połacak Diocese of BOC – Archbishop of Połacak and Hłybokaje Theodosius.
Opening the ceremony, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Vladimir Terentyev said that the church has become one of the most important social institutions, whose historical experience, and spiritual potential of the centuries-old cultural heritage have a significant influence on the formation of traditions of the Belarusian people. Interaction with the church – an important factor in social stability, civil cohesion and interconfessional peace on the Belarusian land.
Church is guaranteed the freedom of internal organization, the performance of religious rites and other activities, the right of ecclesiastical jurisdiction on its canonical territory within the framework of the Constitution and laws of Belarus. For the Church the State – guarantor of the Belarusian people's spiritual and cultural traditions, including the historically formed under the influence of the church. Attitude to the state based on respect for him as a social institution designed to ensure public order, to protect national interests, morality and protect the spiritual and cultural values of the people.
Cooperation with the state activates the activity of the Church, expands the possibilities for countering pseudo-religious structures, dangerous for the individual and society. Priority areas of cooperation – education and training, culture and arts, preservation, restoration and development of cultural heritage, health, welfare, charity, the institution of family support, maternity and childhood, the care of persons in detention, educational, social and psychological work with the military, and environmental protection.
In all these areas much has been done in the framework of the program of measures to implement the agreement in the region in 2011 – 2015. Now, said President Alexander Lukashenko during his meeting with the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, it is very important to continue the cooperation between the state and churches to strengthen the moral foundations of society, preservation of cultural heritage and the development of social service.
Congratulating the participants of the ceremony, Nikolai Sherstnyov called this a historic day, correct, and document – a guarantee that society should be peace, harmony, tranquility. Archbishop Demetrios called on the parties to perform their job with love, according to the commandments of God – then the result will be a must. Archbishop Theodosius on behalf of the diocese, clergy and laity expressed deep gratitude to the leadership of the country and the Viciebsk region for the comprehensive assistance of Belarus Orthodox Church in strengthening the spirituality and in recognition of the chapter presented the gospel field.
Galina Shpakovskaya, vitvesti.by
Photo: Dmitry Osipov
