MINSK, 5 October (BelTA) – The situation with the Orthodox Church in Ukraine will be on the agenda of the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in Minsk, Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavl Pavel, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, told the media, BelTA has learned.
“Of course, everyone is concerned about the Ukraine issue now. I believe that we need to discuss this matter [at the meeting]),” Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavl Pavel said.
In this regard he urged to prevent the schism of the Orthodox Church. “Any religious division always has grave consequences,” the metropolitan noted.
With regard to the program of the Holy Synod meeting, it is not yet in. However, as practice shows, at first Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill will make a report on progress, about official meetings, events and visits. The meeting will continue with the reports by the heads of metropolitan districts and discussions of the issues related to the life of the eparchies, monasteries, and so on.
Belarus will host the meeting the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on 15 October for the first time. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia is expected to take part in the meeting. Permanent and temporary members of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church will also arrive in Minsk on the eve of the Intercession of the Theotokos on 13 October.
Patriarch Kirill will lead a liturgy at the Minsk Holy Spirit Cathedral on 13 October. He will celebrate the consecration of the All Saints Monument Church on 14 October.
