State and Orthodox Church: Aspects of Cooperation Outlined at Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee

The Program of Measures for the Implementation of the Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the Belarusian Orthodox Church in the Vitebsk Region for 2016-2020 was signed at the regional executive committee on August 31. This important document was initialed on behalf of the regional executive committee by Chairman Nikolai Sherstnev, on behalf of the Vitebsk Diocese of the Belarusian Orthodox Church by Archbishop of Vitebsk and Orsha Dimitry, and on behalf of the Polotsk Diocese of the BPC by Archbishop of Polotsk and Glubokoye Feodosiy.

Opening the ceremony, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Vladimir Terentyev noted that the church has become one of the most important social institutions, whose historical experience, spiritual potential, and centuries-old cultural heritage have a significant impact on the formation of the traditions of the Belarusian people. Interaction with the church is an important factor for social stability, civil unity, and interfaith peace on Belarusian soil. The church is guaranteed freedom of internal organizations, performance of religious rites, other types of activities, and the right of church jurisdiction within its canonical territory in accordance with the Constitution and legislation of Belarus. For the church, the state is a guarantor of the preservation of the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Belarusian people, including those historically formed under the influence of the church. The attitude towards the state is based on respect for it as a social institution called to ensure public order, protect national interests, morality, and preserve the spiritual and cultural values of the people. Cooperation with the state activates the church's activities and expands opportunities for countering pseudo-religious structures that are dangerous to individuals and society. Priority areas of cooperation include education and upbringing, culture and creative activities, protection, restoration, and development of cultural and historical heritage, healthcare, social security, charity, support for the institution of family, motherhood, and childhood, care for persons in places of deprivation of liberty, educational, and socio-psychological work withmilitary personnel, environmental protection.

Much has been done in all these areas within the framework of the Program of Measures for the Implementation of the Agreement in the field for 2011-2015. Now, as President Alexander Lukashenko said during a meeting with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', it is very important to continue the interaction between the state and the church in strengthening the moral foundations of society, preserving cultural heritage, and developing social service.

Congratulating the participants of the ceremony, Nikolai Sherstnev called this day historic, right, and the document a guarantee that there should be peace, harmony, and tranquility in society. Archbishop Dmitry called on the parties to perform their work with love, according to God's commandments – then there will be a proper result. Archbishop Feodosiy, on behalf of the diocese, clergy, and parishioners, expressed deep gratitude to the leadership of the country and the Vitebsk region for their comprehensive assistance to the Orthodox Church of Belarus in strengthening spirituality and, as a token of appreciation, presented the head of the region with the "Gospel".

Galina Shpakovskaya. Photo by Dmitry Osipov. "Vitebskiye vesti".