Lukashenko intends to construct a temple in Russia, given the suitable space is available.
In an informal meeting on the island of Valamo, presidents Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin discussed a range of topics, including political cooperation, economic ties, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Amidst these discussions, Lukashenko proposed an intriguing idea: the construction of a small Belarusian church on the island.
Lukashenko pointed out that while the Smolensk hermitage on the island is a beautiful sight, there is currently no Belarusian hermitage. He suggested constructing one, given the shared Orthodox faith between Belarusians and Russians. Putin responded positively, acknowledging that there is enough space to build a small church on the island and emphasizing the shared spiritual connection.
The proposed religious object could take the form of a Belarusian skete, as there is currently no such religious object at the location. The island of Valamo, a centre of Orthodox Christianity, would provide an appropriate setting for such a structure.
This proposal is seen as a means to strengthen cultural and religious ties between the two Orthodox peoples and symbolically represent Belarusian presence on Valaam Island. The idea was first broached during Lukashenko and Putin's fourth meeting on the island.
In addition to the church proposal, Lukashenko reiterated the importance of continuing peaceful talks on Ukraine. He even jokingly suggested that discussions could take place on the Moon if necessary. The international agenda and regional security issues will be a focus of the discussion.
During the meeting, a brief moleben was held. Lukashenko reaffirmed the determination of Belarus and Russia to stand together and defend their interests. He stated that no one can bring Belarus and Russia to their knees.
The presidents will discuss the development of Belarusian-Russian relations and the implementation of union projects behind closed doors. Their meeting marks another step in strengthening the close alliance between Belarus and Russia.
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- The proposal for a Belarusian skete on Valaam Island, a center of Orthodox Christianity, could serve to further strengthen the cultural and religious ties between Belarus and Russia, as discussed during Lukashenko and Putin's meeting, which also touched upon war-and-conflicts, such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
- This meeting, during which the presidents discussed policy-and-legislation and the general news of regional security issues, also included a focus on the economic ties between the two nations, as well as the symbolic representation of the Belarusian presence on Valaam Island through the proposed construction of a small church.
