Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko celebrated Christmas on Thursday by visiting the church where his youngest son was baptized, lighting a candle at an icon to the Virgin Mary.
The church is part of the House of Mercy, an Orthodox hospice and social center in Minsk that was consecrated by Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II in 2003.
The president held talks with Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Slutsk, the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, chatted with parishioners, and presented the center with an icon of St. Nicholas.
Lukashenko has in the past referred to his youngest son, Nikolai, as his heir. The 5-year-old is a controversial figure, particularly with some Orthodox believers, as he was born to the president's personal doctor, Irina Abelskaya, rather than to his wife, who is rarely seen in public.
In his Christmas greeting, the Belarusian president asked people to remember those in need.
"In these winter days, with lights on fancy fir trees and the ringing of bells, an atmosphere of solidarity and mutual understanding reigns in the family, which warms the hearts of all for the next year. A fine tradition of helping those in difficult circumstances gains new meaning and encourages good deeds," the seasonal message read.
MINSK, January 7 (RIA Novosti)
