"We have to save our age-old foundations." Why Lukashenko pays so much attention to monasteries
Belarus is a multinational and multi-confessional country. Orthodoxy is the most widespread religion in our state. Churches and monasteries are not only significant sites for believers. They are unique monuments from the perspective of architecture and artistic styles. In recent years, special attention has been paid to the Holy Assumption Zhirovichi and Polotsk Saint Euphrosyne monasteries. In this issue of the BELTA YouTube project "As a Matter of Fact: Decisions of the First," we will tell you where the Orthodox pilgrimage center appeared in Belarus, which monastery Alexander Lukashenko considers an "amazing place," and what the frescoes of the 12th-century church hide.
This year marks the 505th anniversary of the Holy Assumption Zhirovichi Stavropegic Men's Monastery. And it has been 555 years since the miraculous Zhirovichi Icon of the Mother of God was found. The President congratulated Belarusians on these significant dates. He noted that "millions of people find hope by touching the shrine and are spiritually enriched by visiting the monastery." This year, the President's Fund allocated Br6 million for projects in culture and arts. Part of the money will go to support the monastery's Assumption Cathedral for the restoration of the iconostasis. It was made in 1676. The monastery has been transformed in recent years. This is due to the efforts of builders, clergy, and, of course, the state.
"The Church is the spiritual bond of society. Spirituality helps a person find the right approaches to overcoming difficulties. And to live with hope, confidence, maintain relationships with neighbors and strangers. And to understand that everything in this world is transient. Faith, hope, love, observance of the Gospel commandments are what a modern person needs," believes Metropolitan Benjamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus.
A seminary is located on the monastery grounds. Visiting Zhirovichi in 2021, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the need to create comfortable conditions for studying here.