MINSK, 13 April (BelTA) – It has never been and will not be prohibited to visit churches on Easter in Belarus. However, it is necessary to take precautionary measures taking into account the epidemiological situation, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the session in Minsk on 13 April, BelTA informs.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Catholic Easter was celebrated in Belarus last week. There were not many people, but they visited churches, gathered together outside. “It's up to every person to decide. But there were no prohibitions. If you want to go to church, you are welcome. But people took precautions. It is their right,” the head of state said.
Orthodox Christians, who account for the majority of believers in Belarus, will celebrate Easter this week. “I will reiterate: we do not close the road to church for anybody. This is a tough requirement of mine. All leaders of churches, religious denominations, including the Eastern Orthodox church, have been informed. People will be free to go to church if they want. I will go to church. This is my tradition. I seldom go to church, but I always do it on Christmas and Easter. I visit small churches in Belarusian regions,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
At the same time, he warned the clergy that people should not spend much time in churches in view of the current situation. “It is better to hold all services outside,” the Belarusian leader said.
He also deemed it necessary to arrange special open-air places for traditional blessing of Easter eggs and breads. “It is necessary to take precautions where possible. And priests must understand this, especially in cities,” the head of state said.
