MINSK, 1 August (BelTA) - Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested building a Belarusian church at the Valaam Monastery as he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Valaam Island, Republic of Karelia, Russia on 1 August, BelTA has learned.
“While flying in, I thought that we’ve established a good tradition [to meet on Valaam Island] every year. We are representatives of two Orthodox peoples,” the president said. “This church already feels like home. On the way in, we noticed that the Smolensk hermitage is wonderful. But there is no Belarusian hermitage.”
“This belongs to both of us,” Vladimir Putin stressed.
Nevertheless, Aleksandr Lukashenko proposed to build a small Belarusian church on Valaam Island: “We’ll think about it. There’s enough space here to build a small church. Let’s consider it, as the path has already been paved.”
“Sure. With pleasure,” the Russian leader replied.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also noted that many Belarusians visit Valaam Island: “We share the same faith: Orthodoxy. So thank you for establishing such a beautiful tradition,” he said.
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