Visit to the Cathedral of Sts. Cyril and Lavrentiy of Turov in the town of Turov

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko visited the Cathedral of Sts. Cyril and Lavrentiy of Turov in the town of Turov in Zhitkovichi District on 2 May. 

Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarch Exarch of All Belarus, Bishop Leonid of Turov and Mozyr, and Archpriest Vasily Pytel, the key priest of the cathedral, met the head of state at the central gate of the cathedral. At the entrance to the church, Aleksandr Lukashenko was welcomed by children of the local parishioners who presented him with a bouquet of flowers and an Easter basket. The head of state also presented the children with gifts.

In the cathedral Aleksandr Lukashenko lit an Easter candle at the icon of the Resurrection and had a talk with the worshipers. Aleksandr Lukashenko gave a recreated Holy Cross of Turov, which was lost after an earthquake that destroyed the cathedral in the 13th century. The head of state was given the Icon of Sts Cyril and Lavrentiy of Turov. 

“Christ is Risen! Today I say these traditional Easter words in the Cathedral of Turov with a special feeling. Here, as Polotsk, is the cradle of Christianity in our land. This place is a truly inexhaustible source of faith, spirituality, wisdom and unity of the Belarusian people, the people whose soul resembles this town. At first glance the town may look small and modest. But behind the modesty there is more than a thousand years of history, which has a lot of significant pages and important events, which have become part of the history of various nations and states,” the president said. 

The head of state said that Turov is his favorite city: “I love this small, cozy Belarusian city very much. It is small in size, but in its warmth and openness it is the greatest city of our Belarusian land together with Polotsk.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko added that the soul of our nation and the beauty of Turov open up only to those who come to the Belarusian land in peace and good thoughts, to people with God in their hearts: “Our famous countryman bishop Cyril of Turov, a Belarusian saint, philosopher, enlightener and spiritual mentor, said that back in the 12th century. As contemporaries say, the second Chrysostom. The wisest saint already knew then that the most important values are the peace, work on the native land and consent between people.”  

“It is what has helped Belarusians more than once to overcome hardships, wars, and turmoil. It still does. Our country has been tested many times and is tested again. Everyone can see that God protects us, protects us until we keep Him in our hearts and thoughts” said the Belarusian leader.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the symbolism that on the day of the Holy Easter one of the sacred objects of Belarus returned to the main Orthodox church of the city. “Good and light always come back to people. Even following the centuries,” the president said.

In his words, the temple was built in Turov not long ago, already in the history of the independent country, and now the Turov Cross will take its place. The work on this masterpiece has taken three years. “When I was presenting For Spiritual Revival Award on Christmas, including to the authors of the restored shrine, I said: life is so short, let us not waste it on empty words and destruction,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that as president he was lucky to be part of the restoration of Belarusian shrines, including the Euphrosyne of Polotsk Cross and now the Turov Cross. 

"Let's build and create. Let’s build our homes, cities, our beautiful Belarus so that centuries on our descendants remember us with pride and respect. It is in our power, with prayer for Belarus, with love in our hearts," the head of state said.

As an example, he cited Cyril and Lavrentiy of Turov, Euphrosyne of Polotsk, Metropolitan Filaret, who are remembered among many others as the most worthy people of Belarus.

"Let's create the future! Not only our future but above all the future of our children and grandchildren. Let's do everything to prevent evil spirits from touching the land of Belarus again. Let us do everything in our power to ensure that the generation who will follow work, live and raise their children in peace,” Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed all citizens of the country.

Easter is my favorite holiday, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said, BelTA has learned.

"I love this holiday for many reasons," the head of state said.

During many years of service as president some protocol events become boring, he noted. "But this moment [visiting a church Easter] always leaves a very good mark in my heart and stays in my memory," the Belarusian leader stressed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked Metropolitan Veniamin and other churchmen for their courage and resilience, especially at the end of last year. “The Orthodox Church acted with dignity and took a solid position. People appreciated it. These events are still to be evaluated. The big is seen from a distance," the president said. “The time wasn't easy. But God help us, as I said, while we have him in our hearts and thoughts. Once again I thank our Orthodox Church for the courage, resilience. You have truly shown that you stand by people."