Events
Lukashenko: Zhirovichi Monastery must be brought into perfect condition
ZHIROVICHI, 19 September (BelTA) – During the visit the Zhirovichi Holy Dormition Stavropegic Monastery, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko instructed that the entire complex should be brought into perfect order, BelTA has learned.
Upon arriving at the monastery, the head of state visited the Holy Dormition Cathedral where he participated in a short prayer service and lit a candle before the Zhirovichi Icon of the Mother of God. This year marks the 555th anniversary of the miraculous appearance of this Icon, which is among the hundred most venerated shrines in the Orthodox world.
Metropolitan Veniamin, addressing the president, expressed special gratitude for the state’s assistance in the reconstruction and restoration of the complex. “Thank you for completing this work by the 555th anniversary, renewing everything, and doing it on a large scale,” he said.
“But we will continue working until spring. And especially in spring. By Victory Day, a sacred day, there must be order both on the grounds and in the village. Since the village is located right here, it must be brought into perfect order,” the head of state stressed. He added that Zhirovichi is home to one of the country’s major Orthodox centers. The president noted that Polotsk also has important Orthodox shrines, but Zhirovichi is the soul of Belarusian Orthodoxy. “If you agree with me, then we must cherish it, so that God will not be angry with us,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.
He emphasized that religious centers of various denominations should be developed across the country, and the government is ready to provide support in this regard. “I want our generation to pass these spiritual centers on to our children,” the Belarusian leader said. “We will help. We must help, but we must not do everything for others. That is important.”
While visiting the Holy Dormition Cathedral, the president drew attention to the new iconostasis and asked about the old one. He was informed that it is currently undergoing restoration. The president gave an instruction to place this process under special supervision, noting that the works are true masterpieces of Belarusian icon painters and must be preserved.
Aleksandr Lukashenko was briefed on the monastery’s history, recent changes that have taken place there in recent years, restoration and reconstruction efforts, as well as future plans. In particular, the discussion touched on the construction of a pilgrim’s hostel within the complex. The president instructed that this project should be completed promptly: “If there is a need for it, then it should be done.”
The president has set a goal to bring everything into perfect order by spring next year. He said that the state will provide support and assistance, especially in working with young people, promoting respect for traditional values and work, and in the cultivation of land and agricultural development.
At present, the monastery covers 909 hectares, including 360 hectares of arable land and about 400 hectares of meadows. The Belarusian leader highlighted the state’s interest in expanding the amount of land under the monastery’s management, provided they are ready to cultivate it, maintain order, and use it for agricultural work. In turn, the state is prepared to provide the necessary assistance, including with the purchase of agricultural machinery.
During the visit to the Zhirovichi Holy Dormition Stavropegic Monastery, Aleksandr Lukashenko also visited the burial site of Metropolitan Filaret.
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