POLOTSK DISTRICT, 27 December (BelTA) - During a working trip to Polotsk, Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova met with State Secretary of the Union State of Belarus and Russia Dmitry Mezentsev. One of the topics for discussion was the construction of a refectory and a hotel of the Savior-St Euphrosyne Convent, BelTA has learned.
In 2025, the convent will mark 900 years since founding. The clergy and secular authorities are already thinking about how to help the convent to celebrate the big date in style. One of the concerns of the monastery is the lack of a refectory and a spacious hotel for pilgrims. Thousands of tourists come to the monastery every year. Dmitry Mezentsev said that so far no specific projects have been submitted to the Union State, but the first steps towards cooperation have already been made. "We will carefully study the opinion of restorers and architects who are working today to preserve the unique heritage. We will find a way to help the monastery," said Dmitry Mezentsev.
The state secretary of the Union State noted that it was the first time he visited the Polotsk monastery. He stressed that it was a great honor for him, as a church-going person, to visit the holy monastery, to bow to the relics of St. Euphrosyne of Polotsk. He said it was an unforgettable moment for him, and that he hopes to come back here together with his family.
As part of the working trip, the guests also visited St. Sophia Cathedral and Polotsk State University.
