Metropolitan Veniamin, a new Patriarchal Exarch of all Belarus of the Russian Orthodox Church, made several ‘program’ statements in an interview with the propaganda channel ‘Russia Today’.
This was reported by Credo.Press Portal.
The Metropolitan spoke out against the ‘belarusianization’ and autocephaly of the Belarusian Church, against its 'participation in politics', and called to bring to justice all those who beat unarmed protesters in Minsk, humbly waiting for the proclamation of a new Constitution and new presidential elections.
“The position of the Church should be neutral,” Veniamin said, commenting on the violence against civilians and the falsification of presidential elections. “The Church should be a meeting place for people of different worldviews, different political views, educational level, interests, and so on.”
Moreover, he made it clear that the emotions of protest participants are related to their sinfulness: when some feelings inside the heart not only come out and harm other people, they also harm the person themselves, which is why the heart hurts and other problems arise.”
The Metropolitan called the topic of autocephaly “alien” for the Belarusian Church: “It is remembered more by secular people who also want to push forward some of their ideas, wishes, and so on. But there is absolutely no need for this right now.” He urged “to remain vigilant and avoid any encroachments to ensure that this topic is presented in one format or another.”
Metropolitan Veniamin touched upon the responsibility of law enforcement officers who allowed atrocities against peaceful protesters, and in fact, called for not resorting to their earthly court.
“We must realize,” he said, “that besides the human community, people will also be judged by God, who will reward people for good deeds, and punish for evil deeds, and even for those actions, thoughts, and feelings that were invisible to other people and that, perhaps, the man himself fails to realize ... In reconciliation, the main component should be the ability to forgive, get over the offense and no longer remember it. It is impossible to weigh in the scales of human justice in all the details who is more right and who is less, and this may become a new cause for disputes, for further disagreements.”
Despite his statements about apolitical nature, the Metropolitan made it clear that he awaits the integration of the Russian Federation, Belarus and Ukraine into a single state.
“There is a prophecy that all three fraternal nations will be together in the future. We will pray for it and strive for it,” he said.