The state will continue to support the dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox churches - A. Lukashenko

April 6, Minsk / Alina Grishkevich - BELTA/. The state supports and will continue to support the dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko today during a meeting with Metropolitan of the Minsk-Mogilev Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church in the Republic of Belarus Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz at the Minsk Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to a BELTA correspondent. The head of state emphasized that it has become a good tradition to discuss pressing issues with the leadership of one of the main denominations – the Catholic one. "I think this is a good signal to our society," the President said. "But I would not want this meeting to be purely demonstrative; we need to discuss specific issues that have accumulated over the past year. We will also talk about the situation in the religious environment in general." "I must say that your presence at Easter in the Orthodox cathedral and our joint congratulations were well received by society," the head of the Belarusian state noted. "I am glad that such good relations are developing between the Catholic and Orthodox denominations; this is very important to me, and I will support it," Alexander Lukashenko added. The Catholic and Orthodox churches must jointly respond to the challenges of our time, stated Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, Metropolitan of the Minsk-Mogilev Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus. He emphasized the importance of the current meeting with the head of the Belarusian state: "It is important for us that we can have such a dialogue." He noted that after previous meetings with the President of Belarus, as well as with the Pope of Rome, "many issues have been resolved." "The opportunity for dialogue with other denominations, especially with the Orthodox Church, is extremely important to me," the archbishop said. "We are brothers in faith and have the same sacraments, and today we must jointly respond to the challenges of our time, many of which are threatening. When we are together, our voices are stronger. There is no other alternative. This is the instruction of Jesus Christ: that all live together." Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz assured that he will continue to strive to develop relations with other denominations. "I simply see no other way out, as these are very difficult times today. We see how in many Western countries, homosexual unions are supported by a parliamentary majority. Abortions and euthanasia are supported. But life is the greatest gift that a person has received, and he should not act against God. And in this matter, we are united with the Orthodox Church," the archbishop noted. He expressed satisfaction with the fact that good relations have been established between the Catholic and Orthodox churches in Belarus. "I have to travel a lot around the world and meet people, not only Catholics but also representatives of other denominations," Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz said. "They are surprised how it is possible to maintain such a balance between all denominations in Belarus. I tell them that Easter and Christmas holidays are broadcast on Belarusian television from both Catholic and Orthodox churches. We also mutually attend Catholic and Orthodox conferences and other events. And this is the result not only of our good relations but also a testament to peace, that we strive for unity. Of course, there is still a long way to go to full unity, but it begins with the first small step. And we have already taken a big step. I am also glad that the state supports this aspiration for unity. The future of Christianity and the future of our country, which should be built on the basis of Christian values, will depend on this." -0-