Head of the Orthodox Church in Belarus. History and structure of the Belarusian Orthodox Church

The Bishops' Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, dedicated to the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the Moscow Patriarchate and held on October 9-11, 1989, adopted a resolution on the formation of the Belarusian Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate, approving the decision of the Holy Synod on the formation of the Mogilev, Pinsk and Polotsk dioceses.

On October 16, 1989, at the next meeting, members of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, in fulfillment of the definitions of the Council of Bishops, decided: the exarch of Belarus will henceforth have the title Metropolitan of Minsk and Grodno, Patriarchal Exarch of Belarus; His Eminence Philaret, Metropolitan of Minsk and Belarus, is to be appointed Exarch of Belarus.

The Synod also instructed His Eminence Kirill, Archbishop of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, Chairman (currently His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'), to make a report on the exarchates of the Moscow Patriarchate at the upcoming Bishops' Council of the Russian Orthodox Church on January 30-31, 1990 and to present the draft “Regulations about the exarchates of the Moscow Patriarchate."

The Council of Bishops, at its meetings on January 30-31, 1990, heard the report of His Grace Archbishop Kirill and decided to adopt the “Regulations on the Exarchates”, introduce it into the current Charter on the governance of the Russian Orthodox Church in the form of Section VII, making appropriate amendments to Sections I, V and XII, with subsequent approval at the Local Council.

The decisions of this Council of Bishops were approved by the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, held on June 7-8, 1990.

The chair of the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus is located in the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk. The second department is Slutsk, where the St. Michael's Cathedral is located.

By the Resolution of the Synod of the Belarusian Exarchate of February 6, 1992 (Journal No. 15), approved by the Resolution of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church of February 18-19, 1992 (Journal No. 13), adopted at the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Minsk Diocese was reorganized and territorially limited to the Minsk region.

The title of the ruling bishop is Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavsky, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus.

magazine No. 16) the Spiritual and Administrative Center was formed - the Minsk Exarchate of the Belarusian Exarchate, which included:

• Administration of the Minsk Exarchate;
• Administrative Secretariat of the Minsk Exarchate;
• Office Management Service of the Minsk Exarchy;
• Synodal departments of the Belarusian Exarchate;
• Press service of the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus;
• Secretariat of the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus;
• Publishing Council of the Belarusian Exarchate;
• Legal Service of the Minsk Exarchy;
• Financial and economic service (accounting);
• Spiritual and educational center.

Currently, the following Synodal departments and commissions operate within the structure of the Belarusian Exarchate:

• Management of the affairs of the Minsk Exarchy (with the rights of a Synodal institution);
• Synodal Department for Relations between Church and Society;
• Synodal Information Department;
• Synodal Department for Youth Affairs;
• Synodal Department of Religious Education and Catechesis;
• Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Service;
• Synodal Missionary Department;
• Synodal Commission for the Canonization of Saints;
• Synodal Audit Commission;
• Church Court of the Belarusian Exarchate;
• Synodal Pilgrimage Department;
• Synodal Department for Interaction with the Cossacks;
• Award Commission of the Belarusian Exarchate (with the rights of a Synodal institution);
• Synodal Department for interaction with the Armed Forces and other military formations of the Republic of Belarus;
• Synodal Department for Church Art, Architecture and Restoration;
• Synodal Commission on Family Issues, Protection of Motherhood and Childhood.

By the decision of the Synod of the Belarusian Exarchate of December 1, 2015 (magazine No. 63), the “Religious Mission “BLAGOG” of the Belarusian Orthodox Church” was established, which is entrusted with the responsibilities of centrally providing the canonical divisions of the Belarusian Orthodox Church with religious objects and religious literature.

By the decision of the Synod of the Belarusian Exarchate of March 24, 2016 (magazine No. 12), the Synodal Center for Sect Studies named after St. Joseph of Volotsk of the Belarusian Orthodox Church was formed.

By the decision of the Synod of the Belarusian Exarchate of December 13, 2016 (magazine No. 56), the Council on Family Values ​​under the Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church was transformed into the Synodal Commission on Family Issues, Protection of Motherhood and Childhood.

The Belarusian Exarchate (as of January 2012) included: 1,555 parishes, 34 monasteries, 1,485 priests and 166 deacons, 46 Orthodox media bodies. Including:

• — 392 parishes, 7 monasteries, 401 priests and 56 deacons, 167 Sunday schools, 17 Orthodox media organs;
• — 45 parishes, 2 monasteries, 38 priests and 3 deacons, 17 Sunday schools, 1 Orthodox media organ;
• — 194 parishes, 4 monasteries, 190 priests and 14 deacons, 120 Sunday schools, 2 Orthodox media organs;
• — 168 parishes, 5 monasteries, 130 priests and 33 deacons, 50 Sunday schools, 14 Orthodox media organs;
• — 135 parishes, 4 monasteries, 166 priests and 24 deacons, 54 Sunday schools, 2 Orthodox media organs;
• — 94 parishes, 104 priests and 8 deacons, 67 Sunday schools, 1 Orthodox media organ;
• - 75 parishes, 2 monasteries, 69 priests and 6 deacons, 27 Sunday schools;
• — 96 parishes, 3 monasteries, 105 priests and 7 deacons, 69 Sunday schools, 5 Orthodox media organs;
• — 176 parishes, a monastery, 166 priests and 8 deacons, 42 Sunday schools, 2 Orthodox media organs;
• — 100 parishes, 4 monasteries, 57 priests and 4 deacons, 16 Sunday schools, 1 Orthodox media organ;
• - 80 parishes, 2 monasteries, 59 priests and 3 deacons, 25 Sunday schools, 1 Orthodox media organ.

By the decision of the BOC Synod of February 26, 2014 (magazine No. 7 Patriarchal Exarch:

Moscow Patriarchate, formed in October. 1989 in accordance with the decision of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church on October 9-11. 1989 B.E. canonically constitute dioceses with their deaneries, parishes, monasteries, and religious educational institutions, which are located within the Republic of Belarus. The management of B.E. is carried out by the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, who is also the ruling bishop of the Minsk and Slutsk diocese (since October 16, 1989), Metropolitan. Filaret (Vakhromeev).

By the time B.E. was formed in 1989, it included 4 dioceses (Minsk, Polotsk, Pinsk and Mogilev). In 1990, episcopal sees were revived in Brest and Gomel, in 1991 - Novogrudok and Grodno, in 1992 - Turov and Vitebsk. In 2002, B.E. consisted of 10 dioceses: Minsk and Slutsk, Polotsk and Glubokoe, Pinsk and Luninets, Mogilev and Mstislav, Brest and Kobrin, Gomel and Zhlobin, Novogrudok and Lida, Grodno and Volkovysk, Turov and Mozyr, Vitebsk and Orshanskaya. On March 13, 2002, the Borisov vicarage was established as part of the Minsk diocese. At the beginning In 2002, in B.E. there were 65 deanery districts, 1235 church parishes, 22 monasteries (7 men and 15 women), the number of clergy - 1105 priests and 110 deacons.

There are theological educational institutions in B.E.: Minsk DA and Minsk DS (located in Zhirovitsky in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary male monastery), theological schools in Minsk, Vitebsk and Slonim, a school of bell-ringers and a regency school in Minsk , catechist school in Minsk, catechist courses in Mogilev, Gomel and Grodno dioceses. At the beginning In 2002, there were 321 Sunday parish schools in B.E., and there were 20 Orthodox churches. fraternities and 44 sororities. The almanac “Bulletin of the Belarusian Exarchate”, 5 diocesan magazines and 20 newspapers are published in B.E.; The Publishing House of the Belarusian Exarchate operates.

On May 19, 2002, with the participation of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus', a House of Mercy for comprehensive medical and social services was opened in Minsk - a complex of buildings with a temple in the name of rights. Job the Long-Suffering (the construction of the facility was carried out under the patronage of His Holiness the Patriarch and President of the Republic of Belarus).

The highest legislative, executive and judicial power in B.E. belongs to the Synod, which consists of the ruling diocesan bishops and is headed by the Patriarchal Exarch. The Synod of B.E. operates within the competence determined by the church canons and the Charter of the Exarchate, and is accountable to the Priest. The Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, which has the right of final approval of the resolutions of the Synod of B.E., their cancellation or modification.

The Synod of B.E. elects and proposes for approval the Holy. Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Exarch, ruling and suffragan bishops within the Exarchate; represents the bishops of the Exarchate to participate in the work of the Priest. Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church as temporary members; confirms the positions of abbots and abbess of mon-rei located within the Exarchate; decides theological, liturgical, disciplinary, pastoral and ecclesiastical administration. issues of regional importance; coordinates the charitable, social and peacekeeping activities of the dioceses that are part of the B.E. Synod of the B.E. monitors the activities of theological schools and plans the training of clergy; appoints the manager of the affairs of the Exarchate, whose position is the secretary of the Synod. His responsibilities include preparing materials for the Synod meeting and compiling meeting journals. The Synod of B.E. approves the budget of the Exarchate, the cost estimates of its institutions and the corresponding financial reports.

The Exarch convenes the Synod of B.E. and presides over it, and also represents B.E. in the Holy. Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church as its permanent member. The exarch is entrusted with the responsibilities of maintaining the unity of the episcopate of B.E. and monitoring the fulfillment of the bishops of B.E. of their archpastoral duties. In necessary cases, the exarch can resolve misunderstandings that arise between bishops without resorting to formal legal proceedings; carries out authorized representation before the state. authorities of Belarus on all issues that relate to the activities of B.E. Dr. official name B.E. - “Belarusian Orthodox Church”.

In B.E. there is a Department of External Relations, established on March 21, 1995 by decree of Metropolitan. Minsk and Slutsky, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus Filaret. The objectives of the department are to coordinate social programs on a B.E. scale, assist church parishes, monasteries, and religious educational institutions in the construction and restoration of churches, in the maintenance of theological schools, in the construction and arrangement of social and educational institutions, and in the organization of charitable assistance. The department carries out economic activities and has the right to establish business relations with Belarus. and foreign enterprises and firms in accordance with canon law orthodox. Church and legislation of Belarus. The department is headed by the manager, the connection between the department and B.E. is carried out by the Coordination Council headed by the chairman.

Lit.: Definitions of the Council of Bishops // ZhMP. 1990. No. 1. P. 12; Definitions of the Holy Synod // Ibid. P. 33; Speech by Met. Minsk and Grodno Philaret, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, February 21. 1990 at a reception on the occasion of the establishment of the Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church in Belarus // Bulletin of the Belarusian Exarchate. 1990. No. 2. P. 16-18; Message of the Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church on the tenth anniversary of the formation of the Belarusian Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate // Minsk EV. 1999. No. 4 (51). pp. 11-12; Parishes and monasteries of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. Minsk, 2001.

G. N. Sheikin

Under the auspices of B.E. 1 Oct. 1993 Theological Faculty named after M. was created at the European Humanitarian University (Minsk). Saints Methodius and Cyril, which on June 21, 1995 was renamed the Faculty of Theology named after. Saints Methodius and Cyril in connection with the opening of the specialty “Theology” in Belarus. Dean of the Faculty - Met. Minsky and Slutsky, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus Filaret. The Faculty of Theology prepares specialists in the field of Orthodoxy. theology, church history, modern. religious studies. Since Oct. In 2001, a master’s program in the specialty “Theology” was opened and the first enrollment was carried out. Graduates work in the system of higher and secondary government. education, in catechetical, parish and Sunday schools, libraries, editorial offices of church periodicals, brotherhoods. More than 20% of graduates continue their studies in the master's program at the Faculty of Theology, Minsk Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, and abroad (Greece, Germany, Poland). In 1998-2002 there were 52 graduates at the faculty, in the 2001/02 academic year. 95 students studied.

On May 25, 1996, the “Belarusian Republican Christian Educational Foundation named after Saints Methodius and Cyril” was registered with the Ministry of Justice of Belarus. In 1999, it was re-registered and became known as the international public association “Christian Educational Center named after Saints Methodius and Cyril” (the president of the association is Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus Filaret). The main directions in the activities of the association are the organization of the construction of social facilities, an educational and rehabilitation center for youth and the disabled, republican and international church and cultural festivals, exhibitions, sports and environmental events, etc. Since 1997, the association annually awards Christmas awards “Christian traditions in culture and education” for the best teachers of secondary schools, teachers of higher religious and secular educational institutions.

G. A. Dovgyallo, R. G. Pashko

The Biblical Commission of B.E. was created in 1989. The composition of the commission, which partly changed, includes clergy, theologians, philologists, professional translators and writers. Chairman of the commission - Metropolitan. Minsky and Slutsky, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus Filaret. The purpose of the commission is to prepare translations into modern times acceptable to the Church. Belarusian language of the Holy Scripture (see Bible (translations)) and liturgical texts and develop such a version of the Belarusian church. language, which would not destroy ancient glory. traditions and at the same time corresponded to the codification of the national language system. To date time were published: four-lingual (in Greek, Church Slavonic, Russian and Belarusian) with parallel passages of the edition of the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, “A Brief Church Slavonic-Belarusian Dictionary” (1996), “Abridged Prayer Book” (1998), Belarusian-language “Code of Names of Saints” (1995), “Prayer for the Belarusian people with an akathist to the holy martyrs of Vilna Anthony, John and Eustathius” (1998), “Divine Liturgy” (1998), “Prayer with a small blessing of water and consecration of the icon” (1999) .

The commission carries out the translation of the NT from the “generally accepted text” (Textus Receptus), also turning to critical editions, recording discrepancies and differences (see Bible (manuscripts and editions)). The experience of translating the Gospel into various languages ​​of the world, especially modern ones, is taken into account. Slavic. Everything that the Belarusian has previously done is taken into account. translators, both Orthodox and representatives of other faiths (see Bible (translations)). With the help of special tests, Belarusians are verified as active carriers. language perceive the found various variants of the corresponding fund of vocabulary and terminology in Belarusian. language instead of Church Slav.

The commission prepares translated and own religious materials. topics for church periodicals (“Pravaslaue”, “Ortapres”, “Bulletin of the Belarusian Exarchate”, “Royal Words”, etc.), maintains relations with the United Bible Society (see Bible Societies), the Bible Society of Belarus, translation section of the Belarusian Union. writers and the Belarusian Orthodox Church. brotherhood, having jointly published a number of publications and developed a series of collections “Orthodoxy in Slavic cultural traditions.”

Ed.: The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ in four languages ​​- Hellenic, Slavic, Russian and Belarusian. Minsk, 1991; Right in Slavic cultural traditions. Minsk, 1996; New Testament of the Lord Jesus Christ: St. Gospel of the Holy Mark: On four languages: Greek, Slavic, Russian and Belarusian: With parallel months. Minsk, 1999.

I. A. Charota

The Belarusian Orthodox Church operates in B.E. brotherhood, which arose in January. 1992 at the Peter and Paul Cathedral in Minsk with the blessing of Metropolitan. Minsk, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus Philaret and named in the name of the martyrs Anthony, John and Eustathius. The goals of the brotherhood are Christ. education, charity, church and social service. The youth branch of the brotherhood includes students from various educational institutions in Belarus who are interested in Orthodox issues. education and upbringing, work with children and adolescents, contacts with youth of other countries. The Brotherhood coordinates the fraternal movement within the Union of Orthodox Christians. brotherhoods of Belarus. Every year on World Orthodox Day. youth (on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord) organizes congresses of Orthodox Christians. youth with the participation of representatives of all dioceses of B.E. and foreign guests. The publishing department of the brotherhood prepares and publishes church calendars, liturgical, historical, reference and other literature in Belarus. and Russian languages, periodicals: popular science. “Pravaslave ў Belarusi i svetse” and the information and reference bulletin “Ortapres”. The laboratory of church history of the brotherhood is creating a database on historical and church topics, bibliography, conducting scientific and theological readings and seminars, participating in the work of the B.E. Biblical Commission on the translation of texts of the Holy. Scriptures in modern times Belarusian language, together with creative unions of Belarus organizes seminars, exhibitions and book presentations. The brotherhood's choir performs obedience in the choir of the Peter and Paul Cathedral in Minsk, participates in charity concerts, festivals of church music, and revives Belarus. church choir tradition. The Brotherhood cooperates with organizations and representatives of Local Orthodox Churches. Churches, is a member and participates in the work of Syndesmos and the World Federation of Christian Students (WSF), maintains contacts with the Orthodox Church. Belarusian parishes diaspora in Poland, USA, Canada, etc. The social service of the brotherhood is carried out through cooperation with charitable organizations in Belarus and abroad. Inter-church cooperation projects are being implemented within the framework of the Kinonia Brotherhood.

Lit.: Matrunchyk T. The land of Belarus is not rich in shrines // Bulletin of the Belarusian Exarchate. 1993/1994. No. 10/11; Kulazhanka L. Service to the Church and Radzim // Minsk EV. 1997. No. 3; Radziukiewicz A. Bractwo - drozze Malorusi // Przeglad prawoslawny. 1999. No. 5.

L. E. Kulazhenko

The Belarusian Orthodox Church (BOC) or the Church of the Belarusian Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate, is the canonical part of the Russian Orthodox Church within the territory of the Republic of Belarus. The structure is an independent administrative unit with an organized management system and internal church structure.

The association includes numerous dioceses with regionally subordinate church districts (deaneries), laurels, monastic communities and bursas. It is headed by the Patriarchal Bishop, bearing the title Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavsky. Leadership is carried out from the Minsk diocese, a stronghold of the BOC.

History of formation

The Belarusian Exarchate was founded in 1989 as a result of the synodal decision adopted at the local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church on the creation of an independent vicarious district of Belarus in church unity and subordination to the Russian Orthodox Church. The same conciliar resolution finally fixed the status of the three previously approved dioceses of Mogilev, Pinsk and Polotsk.

Since October of the same year, the Holy Collegiate Body of the Russian Orthodox Church ratified a new patriarchal rank for the head of the Belarusian Church, elevating the bishop to the rank of Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavsky. Today, the Exarch of Belarus is the Patriarchal Bishop and vicar of His Grace Kirill. The entire local episcopate and metropolitans are subordinate to the Patriarch of the BOC.

The autonomy of the Belarusian Exarchate is officially recognized by the churches of Ecumenical Orthodoxy, which indicates that the BOC has an independent right to carry out administrative and territorial regulation in accordance with Orthodox canonical rules. The administrative center of the church district is the Minsk region, including the capital of the Republic of Minsk.

Under the leadership of the Minsk diocese, the Holy Bishop and the Synod of the BOC there are the main church departments and structural units - the Control and Canonical Council, the Secretariat of the Administration of the Orthodox Exarchate, the department of the patriarchal press service and office work, the legal and financial-economic service and other church-administrative elements.

The main metropolitan department is located within the walls of the Holy Spiritual Cathedral in the city of Minsk, and the second most important department is in the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in the city of Zaslavl. The Minsk diocese was finally reorganized in February (magazine No. 13,15) 1992 by the synodal decision of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. According to this document, the territory of the exarchate was clearly limited to the Minsk region.

By the time the exarchate was formed, the BOC included 4 diocesan lands - Minsk, Polotsk, Mogilev and Pinsk. Later, 6 more Orthodox districts were revived - Brest, Gomel, Novogrudok, Grodno, Turov and Vitebsk. And since 2007, a new district has been created - Bobruisk. Today the Belarusian Exarchate includes 15 separate dioceses, 1612 parishes, 35 monasteries, specialized educational institutions and other organizational elements of the BOC.

The importance of the BOC for modern society in conditions of global demoralization and moral decline is difficult to overestimate. It is no coincidence that in 2008, during his stay in the Minsk Holy Spirit Cathedral, the President of Belarus called the BOC the main ideologist of the country.

Structure and administration of the diocese

The Orthodox Church of Belarus is administratively independent and is under the control of the Holy Synod. The board is composed of representatives of the highest spiritual ranks - the ruling bishops of the exarchate and the Patriarch himself. The BOC and its legal status are regulated by the Charter of the Russian Orthodox Church (Chapter 9) and the internal statute of the church.

The Synod operates within the framework of the competence granted to it by the Holy Assembly of the Russian Orthodox Church and is fully accountable to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Kirill. But even despite this, the Belarusian Exarchate has enough powers. Thus, the highest church collegial body has the right, by its own decision:

• select and submit for consideration to the highest church body (the Holy Synod) candidates for vicar and acting hierarchs of the BOC, bishops as temporary participants in the Holy Government Body of the Russian Orthodox Church;
• approve the positions of leaders (abbots) of monasteries;
• resolve regional church and religious disputes;
• supervise the activities of Orthodox theological seminaries and schools;
• coordinate the social mission and train the clergy reserve.

The structure of the exarchate of Belarus is extensive and includes a branched system. As for the main districts of the BOC, there are six of them. Each region includes parishes, deaneries, metochions, monasteries, diocesan institutions, missions and other canonical parts of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Brest region

• Brest diocese

The beginning of official activities and establishment is 1990. Includes regional and district churches of the Brest district. The leading cathedrals are the temples of Simeon the Stylite and Alexander Nevsky.

Temple of Simeon the Stylite:

Temple of Alexander Nevsky:

• Pinsk diocese

Represents the Orthodox Church of the eastern part of Belarus, with a length of 19 thousand km². The capital of the district is the city of Pinsk. The main altars are St. Barbara's Cathedral and the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. One of the oldest dioceses, founded in the 14th century.

Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross:

Vitebsk region

• Vitebsk diocese

The period of creation of the modern department dates back to 1992, but the first thrones were erected during the times of Kievan Rus. Today the region includes 11 large administrative districts with the diocesan center in the city of Vitebsk. Cathedral - Holy Protection Church:

• Polotsk diocese

Cathedral Orthodox churches - the Church of the Epiphany in Polotsk and the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Glubokoe. The church region has up to 100 parishes.

Church of the Epiphany in Polotsk:

Gomel region

• Gomel diocese

Unites Belarusian deaneries and monasteries of the eastern Gomel region. About 150 parishes are supported.

• Turov diocese

It has an ancient history and wide geography. Located in the western lands of the Gomel region. There are 58 parishes in the district. The year of foundation is considered to be 1005. The capital of the diocese is the city of Mozyr. The church of the Archangel Michael and Saints Cyril and Lawrence took on the cathedral role:

The Grodno region

• Grodno diocese

Western part of the Grodno district. There are up to 97 Orthodox districts. The main churches are the Intercession and St. Nicholas Cathedrals. It was originally established from the Lithuanian and Vilna dioceses, but since 1900 it has been listed as Brest and Grodno.

Intercession Cathedral:

St. Nicholas Cathedral:

• Novogrudok diocese

Founded in the 15th century on the territory of the Dyatlovo, Korelichi, Novogrudok and Slonim districts of the Grodno district. Has up to 100 parishes. The cathedral Orthodox churches are St. Nicholas and Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya.

• Lida diocese

Consists of the districts Ivyevsky, Lida, Oshmyany, Ostrovetsky and Smorgonsky. The diocese was formed by separation from Novogrudok in 2014 by a resolution of the Holy College of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Minsk Region

• Minsk diocese

Main district of the Belarusian Exarchate. The date of establishment was accepted as 1793. Since 2014, the territory of the Orthodox diocese is limited and includes only the districts of Minsk and the Minsk region.

• Borisov diocese

It was allocated by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church from part of the Minsk district into independent regions.

• Molodechno diocese

It is located within the Minsk district (metropolis). The maximum boundaries of the district extend to Vileika, Dzerzhinsky, Volozhinsky, Myadelsky, Uzdensky, Molodenchesky and Stolbtsovsky districts.

• Slutsk diocese

The region was finally approved as an administrative unit independent of the Minsk metropolis in 2014 by the Synodal Decree of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Mogilev region

• Mogilev diocese

The district from the Polotsk metropolis is allocated. Founded in the 17th century. Since 2004 it has been an independent diocese.

• Bobruisk diocese

Covers Glussky, Klichevsky, Bykhovsky, Kirovsky, Bobruisk and Osipovichi districts. Approved by the Patriarchal College in 2004.

Educational institutions, stauropegia

The Belarusian Exarchate has extensive capabilities for training a new generation of clergy. For this purpose, a special department of catechesis and religious education has been created, which is in charge of specialized training in church hymn, reading and icon painting for dioceses and deaneries.

The BOC is also able to provide decent secondary religious education. Now there are over a hundred socialist church institutions and about 654 Sunday schools. The most famous educational institutions are:

• Minsk Theological Academy;
• Vitebsk and Minsk theological seminaries;
• Solomino, Minsk and Vitebsk religious schools.

Departments offered by educational institutions: theological and pedagogical; psalm regents; missionary; preparatory for admission to theological universities. Training can also be carried out via correspondence.

Belarusian Orthodox stauropegians - Holy Dormition Zhirovichi Monastery, Holy Nativity of the Virgin Mary Convent (city of Grodno), Holy Vvedensky Monastery (village of Bogushi), Spaso-Efrosinievsky Convent (city of Polotsk).

Current State of the Church

Today it has 11 diocesan territories under its control, in which up to 1,582 parishes are actively functioning, about 1,600 churches, 10 educational institutions of theological profile, 20 convents and 14 monasteries, 2 theological departments, 113 Orthodox sisterhoods and 54 brotherhoods. Since 2016, the Higher Center for Sect Studies named after Joseph Volotsky of the BOC, created on the initiative of the Synod of the BOC, has been operating.

Moscow Patriarchate, formed in October. 1989 in accordance with the decision of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church 9 October 11. 1989 B.E. canonically constitute dioceses with their deaneries, parishes, monasteries, religious educational institutions, which are located in ... ... Orthodox Encyclopedia

- (from the Greek ἔξαρχος external power) in Byzantium at the end of the 6th–7th centuries, an administrative territorial unit, a viceroyalty outside the metropolis, similar to a colonial possession or an “overseas state.” In modern Orthodoxy and... ... Wikipedia

WESTERN EUROPEAN EXARCHATE OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH- formed in Sept. 1945 in connection with the return to the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate of communities that had previously been in the Western European Exarchate of Russian parishes of the Polish Patriarchate; included parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church on the territory of a number of Western European countries. state in, a... ... Orthodox Encyclopedia

BELARUS- [Republic of Belarus, Belarus], state in the East. Europe. Territory: 207.6 thousand square meters. km. Capital: Minsk. Geography. It borders in the northwest with Lithuania, in the north with Latvia, in the northeast and east with Russia, in the south with Ukraine, in the west with... ... Orthodox Encyclopedia

Belarusian Orthodox Church ... Wikipedia

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Belarusian Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate (also Belarusian Orthodox Church) exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church covering the territory of Belarus; “canonical division of the Moscow Patriarchate (Russian Orthodox... ... Wikipedia

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Books

• Sketches about rational faith, Gavryushin Nikolai Konstantinovich. The book examines the religious origins of Kant's “rational faith” and its perception by Western philosophers and Russian theologians; The theme of “theology and science” is unusually developed, understood in...
• The Church calls for unity. Word of the Holy Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Kirill. This publication presents excerpts from speeches, sermons, conversations and interviews of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', calling for the preservation of unity within the Russian...