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Moscow to Lukashenko: Hope church-state cooperation continues for our common intereststranslated

July 3, 2026 · 1 min read

The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia sent his wishes to the President of the Republic of Belarus, Aleksandet Lukashenko on the occasion of the country's Independence Day. Cyril. "I warmly congratulate you and all citizens of the Republic of Belarus on Independence Day. On this important holiday, we remember a monumental event: the liberation of Minsk from the Nazi invaders, when, thanks to the courage and heroism of the brave defenders of the Motherland, our Motherland was saved," he says.

The Russian Primate reminds that Independence Day is more than just a historical date. "It is a symbol of the bravery of the Belarusian people, their devotion to the heritage of their ancestors and their responsibility for the future of the country," he points out.

On the occasion of this important day, the Patriarch Mr. Kirillos thanks President Lukashenko for his continuous support to the Orthodox Church, which carries out its work in Belarus. "I hope that the existing church-state cooperation will continue to develop, facilitating the spiritual guidance of the people, the moral and patriotic education of the younger generation...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Βασίλης Αθανασίου

With my grandfather who was in Minsk, I always remember the reference to the liberation. Which other city in Europe is so deeply connected to the War of Independence as Moscow?

Тимофей Семёнов

In Samara, near the Volga, there is a memorial to the liberation of Minsk - my grandfather, who was in the 24th Army, always remembered how exactly his battalion participated in this operation. Thanks for reminding me of this.

Ирина Комарова

Thank you, Timofey, for sharing. In Samara, this memorial is really close to the Volga, and they often talk about the 24th Army on excursions. My father-in-law also went through Belarus, but in a different part, and always said that Minsk was taken with huge losses. I wonder if your grandfather left any letters or photographs from that time?

Валентина Фёдорова

Thank you, Irina. Here in Voronezh we also often remember those battles for Minsk, especially when they talk about the 3rd Belorussian Front. Grandfather left almost no letters, only a couple of photographs with his comrades near the broken truck. And what part of Belarus did your father-in-law fight in?

Ευάγγελος Αναγνώστου

Your grandfather was right, the liberation of Minsk is one of the heaviest memories of the war. But I think Moscow is not alone; Belarus itself as a whole paid a heavy blood toll. Do you remember any specific stories that your grandfather used to tell you?

Георгий Лебедев

Thank you, Valentina. Here in Rostov we also often remember the 3rd Belorussian, especially when it comes to the battles near Orsha and Minsk. My father served in the 5th Army, they were just marching towards Minsk from the south, from Bobruisk. What division did your grandfather belong to? Is it not preserved?

Анастасия Морозова

Thank you, Georgiy. My grandfather had the 3rd Army, they were just liberating Minsk from the east, from Orsha. And your father probably remembers well how you connected with them near the city?