MINSK, 10 February (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko gave a high approval of the social work dome by the United Church of Christians of the Evangelical Faith in Belarus as he met with representatives of religious denominations in Minsk on 10 February, BelTA learned.
Leonid Biriuk also noted that among the parishioners there are many large families. They truly appreciate the state policy to support and promote family values.
“Thank you very much. I know the efforts you are making in the fight against drug addiction. I appreciate you close attention to large families. You talk a lot about the family, and your clergymen and your believers set an example. I know about it, and these are good concrete actions aimed at improving the atmosphere in our society,” said the head of state in response to the speech by Bishop Leonid Biriuk of the national religious association “United Church of Christians of the Evangelical Faith in the Republic of Belarus”.
The Bishop recalled the thesis once said by the president that any citizen of Belarus has the right to their own journey to the faith: “We are very grateful to you that you fully act on these words.”
Leonid Biriuk said that the United Church of Christians of the Evangelical Faith pays special attention to social work, and first of all among people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs. “At the moment we have 15 rehabilitation centers. This is a year and a half of inpatient rehabilitation. We have good results. About 75% of people don't go back to addiction. We do this not as an alternative to state services, but on the contrary, in close cooperation. We realize that this is a common cause; we want these people to become worthy citizens of their country,” he said.
The Church also teaches believers patriotism and hard work. “Our doctrine says that a Christian is called to love his country, everything that makes it up - the people, culture, history and everything that is connected with it. We are also aware of your requirement regarding discipline and responsibility of each person in his or her workplace. We realize that this is indeed the key to the prosperity of our country. We also preach the Gospel teaching. Apostle Paul said: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord’.”
The Bishop emphasized the great efforts of the state to preserve peace, including interfaith peace. “Respect is at the heart of this. We always pray for peace,” he said.
The Bishop recalled the thesis once said by the president that any citizen of Belarus has the right to their own journey to the faith: “We are very grateful to you that you fully act on these words.”
Leonid Biriuk said that the United Church of Christians of the Evangelical Faith pays special attention to social work, and first of all among people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs. “At the moment we have 15 rehabilitation centers. This is a year and a half of inpatient rehabilitation. We have good results. About 75% of people don't go back to addiction. We do this not as an alternative to state services, but on the contrary, in close cooperation. We realize that this is a common cause; we want these people to become worthy citizens of their country,” he said.
The Church also teaches believers patriotism and hard work. “Our doctrine says that a Christian is called to love his country, everything that makes it up - the people, culture, history and everything that is connected with it. We are also aware of your requirement regarding discipline and responsibility of each person in his or her workplace. We realize that this is indeed the key to the prosperity of our country. We also preach the Gospel teaching. Apostle Paul said: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord’.”
The Bishop emphasized the great efforts of the state to preserve peace, including interfaith peace. “Respect is at the heart of this. We always pray for peace,” he said.
Leonid Biriuk also noted that among the parishioners there are many large families. They truly appreciate the state policy to support and promote family values.
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