Foreign minister, Orthodox leader confer ahead of Catholic cleric’s visit

June 27, BPN. Belarusian Foreign Minister Siarhiej Alejnik discussed “interdenominational dialogue” with Metropolitan Veniamin, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Belarus, the foreign ministry’s press office reports.

Their meeting took place on June 26, days before Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti’s visit to Belarus. Pope Francis’ special envoy will attend traditional celebrations in honor of the Budsłaŭ Icon of Our Lady in the Minsk region. Gugerotti is currently serving as a prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. From 2011 to 2015, he had served as apostolic nuncio to Belarus.

Listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, the fest in Budsłaŭ will take place from June 30 to July 1, marking the 25th anniversary of the icon’s coronation.

Metropolitan Veniamin is the first Belarusian-born priest to head the Belarusian Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church.

He maintains close contacts to Alaksandr Łukašenka, seeking to enhance ties between his church and the authorities. The Belarusian ruler repeatedly praised the Orthodox leader for his loyalty and pro-government stance.