Alexander Lukashenko visits House of Mercy, meets with Metropolitan Filaret

MINSK, 9 January (BelTA) – On Christmas Day (7 January) Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko paid a visit to the House of Mercy in Minsk and met with Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk Filaret, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service.

The President visited the Orthodox Church and lit up a Christmas candle.

Alexander Lukashenko and Metropolitan Filaret exchanged presents. The President presented a unique copy of the Gospels. The book is made in old liturgical traditions and is designed for the use during services. The text of the book is in Old Church Slavonic. The gift will be kept in Filaret’s private library.

Alexander Lukashenko and Metropolitan Filaret talked about spiritual renewal of the society, cooperation between the state and Belarusian Orthodox Church, development of the Christian civilization in the modern world.