Meeting with Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia

On 24 September 1998, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia, during the Patriarch’s third visit to Belarus.

Aleksandr Lukashenko awarded Francysk Skaryna Order to Patriarch Alexy II for his contribution to the development and strengthening of friendly relations between the Belarusian and Russian nations. “I should use this opportunity to say that His Holiness is not only my personal friend, but also a respected mentor,” the Belarusian leader noted.

The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church received his portrait by Belarusian painter Leonid Dudarev as a demonstration of utmost respect of Belarusian authorities.