Miory Regional Executive Committee
In Belarus, a system has been established where secular authorities and the church work together, and thanks to this cooperation, the country has become a citadel of traditional culture and morality. This view was expressed by the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic, Natalya Kochanova, at the extended field session of the Presidium of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus held in Polotsk.
The theme of the field session is "The Spiritual and Educational Heritage of Euphrosyne of Polotsk as a Fundamental Basis for Preserving the Traditional Values of the Belarusian People". The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic emphasized that spiritual upbringing of the younger generation receives considerable attention in our country. She called on the event participants to engage in an open and lively dialogue.
"If we lose touch with the past, destroy the foundations upon which the foundation of our society, the prosperous Belarusian home, was built, we will irretrievably lose ourselves, our independence and territorial integrity, and all those great achievements won by our legendary ancestors. The Year of Improvement declared in Belarus is not only about civic initiatives, bringing order to the land, restoring spiritual shrines and historical monuments important to all of us. It is also a profound self-purification, an awareness of purpose and responsibility for the choice made long ago by the great enlightener Euphrosyne of Polotsk, who laid the foundation for the formation of the traditions and values of the Belarusian people and their self-identification," Natalya Kochanova said.
Against the backdrop of the situation in Western countries where traditional family and spiritual values are trampled, Belarus carefully preserves the legacy of the great saint. "Only by relying on our national spiritual-moral and historical-cultural heritage can we preserve the sovereignty of Belarus, ensure further sustainable development and prosperity of our people. Belarus today is a citadel of traditional culture and morality," the speaker emphasized.
"The name of the Venerable is associated with the founding of the first educational institutions, the Savior Transfiguration Church, and the development of crafts. Nearly nine centuries later, the figure of Euphrosyne of Polotsk continues to serve as a moral guide, embodying all virtues, profound love for the Fatherland, and compassion," stated the Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic.
Natalia Kochanova recalled that even during the initial stages of establishing independent Belarus, the President designated the revival of historical and cultural heritage and national shrines among the priority areas of state development. Throughout the country, monasteries and churches have been reconstructed and newly built, while historical and cultural monuments are being restored. "This work is now yielding tangible results. Any initiatives and projects concerning the preservation of sacred sites or the teaching of the fundamentals of spiritual and moral education in schools receive support from both the state and the Belarusian Orthodox Church," the speaker noted.
The Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic emphasized that our state stands as a bastion of tolerance and mutual understanding. "The sustainable interfaith peace in Belarus, the absence of religious conflicts, the accessibility of places of worship, and freedom of religion reflect a framework of state-religious relations established in the country that leaves no room for competition, discrimination, or division. In sovereign Belarus, the maintenance of religious and ethno-confessional harmony has always been accorded the utmost attention. Situated at the crossroads of two civilizations, Belarus has succeeded in building a peaceful, autonomous, and independent state for its people," Natalia Kochanova stated.
Not every nation in these turbulent times can speak of peace and enduring values, yet in Belarus this matter receives dedicated attention. Natalia Kochanova highlighted that the Council of the Republic has established strong fraternal ties with the Belarusian Orthodox Church. "We recognize that all our joint efforts—whether by those entrusted with public office or by those serving in our places of worship—are directed toward a single purpose. We must strive for everything possible to ensure peace and unity within our country," the speaker concluded.