DATE:
27/10/2008
Minsk, October 27, Interfax - Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia is sure that spiritual unity between the peoples of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine cannot be shaken.
"Spiritual unity remains a cornerstone of mutual understanding [between the peoples of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine]. I believe it will not exhaust, and no circumstances can undermine this spiritual bond," Alexy II said at a ceremony marking the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Kievan Rus in Minsk.
Thanks to the conversion to Christianity, "the Slavic tribes could feel united, on the basis of which a common cultural tradition of the Belarusian, Russian, and Ukrainian peoples was created," he said.
The Orthodox Church in Belarus is continuing to render its "salutary service," seeing the state as a "cooperator" in implementing educational, cultural, and social programs, he said.
The Patriarch also wished "success, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the state and the Church in attaining the ends facing us."
Source:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5303
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