Lukashenko proposed to build a Belarusian hermitage on Valaam

In Karelia, on the island of Valaam, where the Smolensky Skete and the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Stavropol Monastery are located, a Belarusian skete could also appear. This idea was expressed by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on August 1 during a visit to the holy place with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We have started a good tradition. As representatives of two Orthodox nations, we [meet] every year. This temple is already like a native one. But they noticed at the entrance that the Smolensky Skete is good, but there is no Belarusian skete," Lukashenko noted with a smile.

The Russian President noted that the shrines on Valaam are common to both Belarusians and Russians.

"To build a temple of some kind. Let's think about it. Since the road has been laid here, many Belarusians come. There is only one faith — our Orthodox faith. Therefore, thank you for starting a good tradition," Lukashenko continued.

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We also agreed to create a new aircraft factory and a laboratory for unmanned systems.

Earlier in the day, Putin and his Belarusian counterpart arrived on Valaam Island on Lake Ladoga in Karelia. The leaders of the two countries visited the territory of the Smolensk Skete of the Transfiguration of the Valaam Stavropol Monastery. In addition, Putin and Lukashenko took part in a prayer service at the church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.