The Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, visited the Security Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus on October 20, 2026.
The visit began with the laying of flowers in memory of the security personnel who died in the line of duty. The Patriarchal exarch consecrated the site for the construction of a chapel in honor of the Martyr Longinus the Centurion, the patron saint of those who guard law and order and state security.
Then there was a discussion on the development of further cooperation with the management of the Department. The event was attended by representatives of the Belarusian Exarchate and employees of the territorial security departments.
The meeting participants noted that the long-term cooperation between the Department of Protection and the Belarusian Orthodox Church (the Belarusian Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate) is primarily aimed at preserving Christian traditions and spiritual and moral values of the Belarusian society. The internal vector of this work is focused on interaction with both the department employees themselves and their family members.
An important indication of the recognition of the success of many years of collaboration was the completion in 2026 of the development and manufacture of the highest joint award for cooperation. This badge of distinction is a symbol of special recognition of the merits of security personnel and representatives of the clergy in the field of spiritual education and patriotic education.
Addressing the participants of the meeting, the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus noted: "Today's event is a new stage in the further development of our cooperation. The kind thoughts and feelings that arise from this meeting elevate our souls. They strengthen the desire to serve the Fatherland, to show courage and bravery — all that is necessary to fulfill civil and official duties. The Church is always addressed to the human soul. It is important that every employee gains spiritual strength and that all the bad things that, unfortunately, sometimes knock on our soul, do not have the ability to control it. After all, what wins inside the human soul is then embodied in real actions and deeds. On the eve of the memorial day of the holy patron saint of the army, the martyr Longinus the Centurion, we have defined plans for the future, which are reflected in the agreement we have signed. It is very important that representatives of all regions have come here to exchange experiences and help each other. We see a sincere interest in the development of our cooperation on the part of the Department of Security, and it is already yielding tangible results. May our joint work continue to grow stronger and bear good fruit."
In response, Alexander Shepelev, Head of the Security Department, expressed deep gratitude for the long-term support of the personnel.: "On behalf of all the heads of regional administrations of our country, I want to thank you very much. The most important thing in our work is the result. And for me, as a leader, the value lies in keeping all our employees alive and well. Spiritual education is a pillar that protects our people during the service. This cooperation really strengthens our police fraternity. Many thanks for all that we have managed to do together, for instilling faith and hope in the hearts of our employees."
The meeting resulted in the signing of an agreement that fixed the key areas of further cooperation for the coming period. The document will become the basis for the continuation of joint socio-cultural, educational and educational activities of the Department of Security and the Belarusian Exarchate in all regions of the Republic of Belarus.