TOLOCHIN, 20 April (BelTA) – While visiting a church in Tolochin on Easter, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko announced plans to create centers of attraction for all faiths in Belarus, and a Museum of World Religions in Minsk, BelTA has learned.
The head of state noted that this year each of the main faiths represented in Belarus should start creating their centers of attraction. For example, the Zhirovichi Monastery, a gem of Belarusian Orthodoxy, will become such a center for Orthodox believers. The Budslau Church will become such a place for Catholics. This is one of the most important churches for Belarusian Catholics as it keeps a very important relic - the Budslau Icon of the Mother of God.
“We in Belarus have agreed that this year we will begin to set up centers representing Belarus' main religions. Our largest religious denomination is Orthodoxy; more than 85% [of the country's population] consider themselves Orthodox. The second biggest religious community are Catholics, with whom we share this holiday today. Each denomination should begin creating their religious centers this year, the president said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also spoke about plans to open a Museum of World Religions in Minsk. “We will also create the Museum of World Religions in Minsk to educate our youth about religions (Christianity, including Orthodoxy and Catholicism, Islam and Judaism) and their history. People will come to this place to learn about our spiritual origins,” the head of state remarked.
The president mentioned several other important facilities - the so-called Belarusian VDNKh, where Belarus' achievements in various fields will be showcased, and the National History Museum dedicated to the history of Belarusian statehood.
“By 9 May, this center [Minsk International Exhibition Center] will finally open to the general public. It is designed to make Belarusians, especially the youth, proud of the country's achievements. Seeing the exhibits they will ask each other: “Can we really produce all this? Have we really done this with our own hands?” the president said.
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