Belarus hosts celebrations of the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus.
An open-air liturgy in Minsk downtown was led by Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa. Attending the service were thousands of people. Partaking in it also were the clergy of the Belarusian Orthodox Church and other Orthodox churches, including Patriarch Kirill of Russia. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the Orthodox Christians of Belarus on the anniversary. “The adoption of the Christianity became a life-giving source for the Eastern Slavs, and shaped the development of statehood, national cultures, science and education. At all times the Church has served as a beacon of hope, preached the best traditions of mercy, diligence and devotion to the Motherland. Today its authority stands high in the society,” reads the message of congratulations.
      The government is actively helping the Belarusian Orthodox Church in the organization of events to mark the anniversary, says Commissioner for Religions and Nationalities Leonid Gulyako:
«Definitely, this is predominantly a religious event and not a state holiday, but the government is quite actively supporting it. Our view is that parishioners of the Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church and others are, first and foremost, citizens of Belarus. Also, today 85% of all believers in Belarus belong to the Christian Orthodox Church.”