News & Events in Belarus

Lukashenko visits Savior and St Euphrosyne Convent in Polotsk

POLOTSK, 12 June (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Savior and St Euphrosyne Convent in Polotsk. He came here after a meeting to review the development of the housing and utilities sector, BelTA has learned.

“I thought I would drop by to light a candle. I have not been here for a long time," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

In the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the head of state lit a candle, bowed to the cross and the relics of Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk. The project to restore the shrine of Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk was carried out in 2003-2007 on the initiative of the Belarusian Exarchate and thanks to the assistance of the Belarusian president.

“Should you need something, please address Natalya Ivanovna [Kochanova, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly]. We will find time to come and help,” the Belarusian leader said when talking with the Convent's Mother Superior Yevdokia.

Aleksandr Lukashenko was also briefed on the progress in the restoration of the Transfiguration Church. The restoration works has shown that much was unknown about the church. This religious and architectural monument is remarkable because it boasts the 12th-century frescos that have survived virtually intact (90%). All works are set to be finished by 2024. All in all, it took about two decades to restore the frescos. During the restoration works, specialists discovered several important items, including seals of Euphrosyne of Polotsk.

The president talked to archeologists – students of Polotsk State University. The head of state noted that, as a student, he also took part in archaeological excavations, including near the Dnieper River. “We unearthed ancient work tools, starting from scrapers,” he noted.

“Thank you for your work. I wish you to live peacefully, happily, and definitely here,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.

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