A program of measures for the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the Belarusian Orthodox Church in the Vitebsk region has been signed
This fundamental document, aimed at interaction, or as Orthodox priests say – co-operation, between the authorities and the church, was signed in a solemn atmosphere by the head of the region, Nikolai Sherstnev, Archbishop of Vitebsk and Orsha Dmitry, and Bishop of Polotsk and Glubokoye Ignatius. The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Vladimir Terentyev, the President's Aide – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region Anatoly Linevich, and heads of departments of the regional executive committee.
– The interaction between the authorities and the church is an important factor for social stability, civil unity, and interfaith peace on Belarusian land. The agreement we have signed is a pledge of peace and tranquility, aimed at consolidating society, – noted Nikolai Sherstnev.
The Chairman of the regional executive committee also emphasized that the church has always been and remains close to the people. In difficult moments of life, a person comes to the temple, turns to God. The role of Orthodoxy in spiritual and moral education, especially of the younger generation, cannot be overestimated.
The program includes nine sections and 115 points concerning priority areas of cooperation. These include upbringing and education, culture and creative activities, protection, restoration and development of cultural and historical heritage, healthcare, environmental protection, development of sports and tourism, social protection, charity, promotion of family, motherhood and childhood, care for persons in places of deprivation of liberty and serving sentences, and others.
Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Vladimir Penin noted that 301 Orthodox parishes are registered in the Vitebsk region, 242 churches are in operation, and another 27 are under construction. The first cooperation agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the Belarusian Orthodox Church was signed in 2003 and is renewed and supplemented every five years. This document gives impetus to joint work for the benefit of society.
– Time demands new answers, modern forms of cooperation are emerging. In particular, the agreement includes dates important for Orthodoxy: the tenth anniversary of the glorification of the first new martyr of Belarus, priest Konstantin Zhdanov. We try to educate people on the feat of saints, those who come to church and are still far from the church, but are already on the path. And next year, we will celebrate the 1030th anniversary of the establishment of the Orthodox Polotsk Diocese, – said Bishop Ignatius.
And Archbishop Dmitry drew attention to another significant date – the 800th anniversary of the birth of Saint Alexander Nevsky, who is directly related to the Vitebsk and Polotsk lands. And he emphasized that love should be at the core of everything – for the Almighty, for people, for one's small homeland, for the Fatherland.