State Secretary of the Union State: We will help the women's monastery in Polotsk to equip facilities for pilgrims

During a working trip to Polotsk, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova met with State Secretary of the Union State Dmitry Mezentsev. One of the topics for discussion was the construction of a refectory and a hotel for the monastery.

In 2025, the Spaso-Yefrosinievsky Convent will celebrate its 900th anniversary, and already the clergy and secular authorities are considering how and with what to help the monastery by the upcoming significant date. One of the monastery's concerns is the shortage of a refectory and a spacious hotel for pilgrims. Thousands of tourists visit the monastery annually, some of whom make purposeful trips to holy sites, and for citizens, including foreigners, the issue of accommodation arises. The State Secretary said that while there are no specific projects with the Union State yet, the first steps towards cooperation have already been taken. "We will very carefully study all the conclusions provided by restorers, architects, and those people who are currently working on preserving the unique heritage that has been preserved for centuries and has been granted to us. And we will definitely provide assistance. A systemic support option for the monastery must be found," noted Dmitry Mezentsev.

The State Secretary of the Union State also admitted that he visited the Polotsk monastery for the first time. He emphasized that for him, as a church-going person, it was a great honor to visit the holy abode and touch the relics of Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk. For him, it was an unforgettable moment, and he hopes that someday he will be able to visit one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries with his family.

As part of the working trip, the guests also visited the Saint Sophia Cathedral and Polotsk State University, where they had an introductory tour.-0-