MINSK, 15 October (BelTA) – Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill is always welcome in Belarus not only as the head of the Russian Orthodox Church but also as a kindred spirit. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with members of the holy synod of the Russian Orthodox Church and the synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church on 15 October, BelTA has learned.
Alexander Lukashenko stressed that Patriarch Kirill needs no invitations to visit Belarus because the country is Patriarch Kirill's country, too. “You are not only a patriarch, but someone close to us,” said the Belarusian leader.
Alexander Lukashenko once again thanked Patriarch Kirill for attention to Belarus, which is a pillar of the orthodox church in the western direction. Alexander Lukashenko also thanked Patriarch Kirill for the decision to arrange a holy synod in the country. “You should also come to visit Belarus another time,” added Alexander Lukashenko.
Alexander Lukashenko mentioned he had maintained relations with Patriarch Kirill for a long time, even from before Patriarch Kirill rose to his present post. “I've appreciated your sincerity very strongly since then. I always prefer sincere relations between people,” noted the head of state.
