Today a new Orthodox church has opened its doors for parishioners near Minsk in a small agricultural town Sharshuny. The President came to share the joyful event with local residents. It is a real holiday for them. The church in honor of the Holy Prophet John the Baptist was consecrated by Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavl Veniamin, High Priest of All Belarus. Now the parishioners can attend services here and ask for help in prayers. A businessman and philanthropist Mikhail Gutseriev helped to build such a spiritual center. Alexander Lukashenko lit a candle in the church, and then addressed people with simple and warm words about good deeds that help our country.
In a quarter of a century more than one and a half thousand religious buildings were built in Belarus. The construction of the church in the unique Byzantine style with two domes in the agrarian town began two years ago. It can accommodate 150 believers. This is a real spiritual center for the Belarus. The doors are also open for villagers from nearby villages. The President also came to share the joy of this day.
This is the first meeting of the head of state with Veniamin in his new rank. The High Priest of All Belarus today consecrated the church.
Alexander Lukashenko pronounced simple and warm words about our life for the audience. The choice of the place was not accidental. The atmosphere of this part of Belarus inspired our president. In one of the conversations it turned out that the church existed here once, but was destroyed.
President: We are doing a good deed for our children and grandchildren.
Such kind initiatives in Belarus are only welcome! Spirituality, faith, and the inner power that comes from it is a strong support in our time and at all times. That is why the government, however difficult it may be, has always had enough political will to support believers and build churches.
The President personally approved the project of the new church. The church is named after John the Baptist. After the Virgin Mary, this is the most honored saint in the Orthodox Church.
President: The villagers are the pillars of the stability of our state.
Lord Veniamin noted that many churches were restored and built on the Belarusian soil due to the help from the head of state.
Veniamin, Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavl, High Priest of All Belarus: "Much has undoubtedly been done, but much remains to be done. In this holy church, we have a great opportunity here to say a prayer for our native Belarus, for our people, for our future.
The President and Metropolitan Veniamin exchanged gifts.
Such a day could not do without gifts. Alexander Lukashenko presented the icon to the parish. In response, the lord presented the President with the image of the Holy Virgin's. Yet Alexaner Lukashenko did not take it with him, as the people need it more!












