April 4, President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, — visiting Minsk Holy Spirit Cathedral — said that would always protect the interests of Belarusian people, the Church, as well as country's independence. "To ensure that representatives of different confessions could determine their own destiny in peace, we need our land, our state", the President stressed.
«We must defend this land and, God forbid, defend it with arms in the hands,» Alexander Lukashenko said in the Cathedral.
According to Belarusian president, the independence is the dearest and most sacred that a human can have. «Let’s protect our land, to keep and increase its wealth», Belarusian leader called on.
Addressing all the people, gathered in the Cathedral, Alexander Lukashenko noted that today all the parishioners look different to previous years. ‘The light of hope is in your eyes. And it’s not only hope, but confidence in that tomorrow will be even better. I am convinced that it will be. I will do everything to help you live easier and better «, the head of state assured.
Addressing the gathering, Alexander Lukashenko also stated that he appreciates the contribution of Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Filaret, to the achievement of inter-religious peace in Belarus.
According to the President, during his fifteen -year common work with Filaret, they have never had any conflicts, and the church hierarch has always been scrupulous, careful and prudent in his statements and actions, BelTA informs.
Alexander Lukashenko congratulated Metropolitan, Filaret, on his anniversary — celebrated by the church hierarch these days — and thanked him for all the good he has done for Belarusian people. «May God grant him many years of service to Belarusian people», the President said.
