Head Of Belarusian Orthodox Church Is To Have Only Russian Citizenship

Lukashenka personally allowed Metropolitan Pavel not to obtain a Belarusian passport.

Head of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Pavel will not take out a Belarusian passport. He reported that to Euroradio during his visit to the “house of representatives,” where today the meeting of “deputies” of the former and the current convocations is taking place.

The Metropolitan said that Aliaksandr Lukashenka had allowed him not to obtain the Belarusian citizenship, as it’s not necessary for a Russian.

On September 22, Belarus’ head held a meeting with the BOC Synod, where it was stated that the priests should be Belarusians. Metropolitan Pavel is the first person in the BOC, appointed by the ROC. At that, in accordance with the law “On freedom of conscience in religious organizations,” he should obtain Belarusian citizenship.

Metropolitan Pavel started his service in Belarus on December 25, 2013. In early 2014, he declared that he was ready to become a Belarusian citizen.