Announced September 26 to collect signatures against the destruction of the park at the construction site suddenly turned into a public debate. She broke with the advent of the future cathedral rector Archpriest Michael, who decided to make a joke with the critically-minded citizens.
"I am a poor Bedouin Michael. Here gathered supporters of the construction of St. Sophia Cathedral? That's what I came to join you! "– Thus his father Michael greeted those present. However, people who had gathered in the park for other purposes, such jokes are not laugh. Most outraged.
Local residents said the priest, that they are categorically against the construction of the sample copy of St. Sophia Cathedral of the 11th century, which has never been in Viciebsk. At least here in the green zone of the historic city center. And suggested that the diocese of Viciebsk Orthodox Church has found a place for the construction of another – for example, somewhere in the "sleeping" area, if it pseudo-historic construction of the temple seems so necessary. Reminded father Michael and about the disastrous state of the existing architectural monuments are destroyed, about unfinished hospitals and clinics, that the city lacks schools and kindergartens.
The priest went on to joke at first, and even the sign of the cross on the monument to Vladimir Karatkevich, around which gathered wishing to sign a letter of protest. But then he began to raise his voice, especially to those who spoke to him in Belarusian, accusingly saying they "were born in the village." In the crowd is caused even more resentment, someone even shouted that "we do not need your" Russian world ", here you want to lead."
Father Michael was arguing with the audience about an hour, then scaring them with different troubles because of the reluctance to see another church in Viciebsk, then promising to "make the fountain" and "put the new park." Someone tried to maintain the position of the priest, but most openly demonstrated distrust of him. Someone argued further, while others quietly signed an appeal to Alyaksandr Lukashenka with a request to stop the destruction of the park and the construction of the cathedral, which the citizens do not welcome for many reasons ...
Approximately 130-minute signatures on a letter to the administration gathered locals to nearby yards. More than 80 signatures were collected near the monument to Vladimir Karatkevich where people came by invitation on the social networks. During the meeting, clearly felt that the outrage has reached the limit of Viciebsk residents: people called each other to organize a protest, to march to the City Executive Committee, become a chain to protect trees as soon as the construction equipment will be seen in the park. And bring your children and grandchildren.
It is hard even to remember what event caused a citywide earlier as much anger and resentment among local residents. It is only the destruction of trees in Victory Square, which Viciebsk residents still cannot forgive Alexander Kosinets, then chairman of the Viciebsk Oblast Executive Committee. But even then, people did not go out on the open protests as happened this time.
Perhaps the growth of protest moods influenced by the fact that it is precisely in these days in the park there was a fence, and a half times higher than a man. Previously, the construction site only enclosed racks, and now they have fixed metal shields. "This is two and a half years, until the cathedral to be built", – explained to passers-workers.
Because the fence bright green peep yellowed trees that are held hostage to the construction of St. Sophia Cathedral. And these scenic views Viciebsk residents treated today with great sadness.
Fence appeared soon after the construction project is only the third time has passed environmental review. However, the public discussion of the project in the latest version and has not been, and no one in the long run does not know which part of the park will be destroyed before the start of construction.
The idea to build up in Viciebsk a copy of Połacak St. Sophia Cathedral, which he had in the 11th century, was announced in 2013. It belongs to the Archbishop of Viciebsk and Vorša Demetrius, who said that this construction "is especially important in connection with the celebration of the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia. Funding object, according to Viciebsk officials and church authorities, allegedly takes over the Russian "Gazprom". But lately, the "Gazprom" as a sponsors almost unheard of, but began calling for local supporters. Residents of Viciebsk believe that it will reach "voluntary Saturday" on the construction of the object, which is not in the city without any historical tradition.
Radio Liberty
