Belarus Exarch to German Ambassador: One mustn’t build walls between Slavs

At a meeting with German Ambassador Manfred Huterer, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, said that Belarusians are worried about the current relations between the peoples of Ukraine and Russia. This is reported by the official portal of the Belarusian Orthodox Church.
“Our countries have common historical and cultural roots, family kinship and a single faith. We remember that there was a painful period of division into Eastern and Western parts in the history of Germany in the 20th century, which was so hard experienced by the German people. At the present time, it is important that such walls are not erected between the Slavic peoples, the causes of divisions are overcome, and our states are able to continue their history in mutual peace, harmony and support of each other,” said Metropolitan Veniamin.
During the conversation, the Belarusian hierarch and the head of the German diplomatic mission discussed the problems of world politics, interfaith relations, social service issues.
The head of the Belarusian Church urged to resolve the emerging conflicts peacefully so as not to come to the opposite result, mutual misunderstanding and alienation. He recalled that the mission of the Church is reconciliation, unification, a call to observe the spiritual laws of being.
Metropolitan Veniamin expressed hope that the German diplomatic mission in Belarus would contribute to the restoration of good neighborly relations between states and people in accordance with the Gospel law "Be at peace with each other" (Mark 9:50).
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko hopes for the return of Ukraine to the bosom of the Slavs.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.