Lukashenko: Ukraine should return to true faith

Alexander Lukashenko at the Church of St. Optina Elders in Minsk. Photo: belta.by

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, while attending a Christmas service at the Church St. Optina Elders in Minsk, called Ukraine a fraternal state and called on Ukraine to return to the fold of true faith, reports belta.by.

“This year will not be easy. The world will change dramatically ... in terms of integrating peoples and states into unions. It will not only be difficult for states like us to survive alone – it will be impossible. Therefore, I’ve taken a tougher course to preserve our sovereignty and independence so that we are a state but hand-in-hand with our closest friends and brothers. It's Russia. It’s Kazakhstan. It’s Ukraine. It doesn't matter what is happening there today. The people are extremely destitute there. This cannot go on for so long,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

“ And we have to do everything to bring Ukraine back into the fold of our true faith. But there is even a religious schism there, which will be very difficult to overcome. This is what they wanted to present to us in 2020 – autocephaly, a schism in our church. We managed to avoid it. And I do not want it to happen again to our neighbours,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

As previously reported, the Belarusian Church commented on the talks about autocephaly.

Read also

Pat. Daniel and Pat. Bartholomew Meet in Greece

The two patriarchs discussed spiritual ties, theological education and the hope for the re-opening of the Halki School.

Matushka Carrie Foley Appointed to Lead Clergy Wives Ministry

Veteran parish leader and speaker to begin new role November 1.