Bishop Aleh Butkevich: The Church Always Protects Human Dignity and Life

The priest addressed the Belarusians with encouraging words on the eve of Christmas.

A decorated Christmas tree, a family Christmas eve supper, and the opportunity to attend a liturgy in a church, despite possible problems at school or work, as happened in Soviet times - these memories always warm the heart. And so now, when many are complaining about difficult times, about the unfavorable situation in society, priest-bishop Aleh Butkevich advises not to succumb to grief, racyja.com reports.

- Complaints about time are a sign of every era because there is no perfect timing. But there is always a reason to find something good. If we talk about festive joy, then this is also a certain effort of a person to notice the essence of what we are now experiencing to discover in ourselves the presence of not only difficulties and troubles but also the good that God brings and gives to a person. And for the believer, faith is an everlasting source of joy. It gives an understanding that not only daily bread is the goal of life but also spiritual goals.

The outgoing year was marked by high civil activity after the last presidential elections. We know that many people have been punished for public speaking with fines, arrests, and even imprisonment. Among them is the rector of the parish of St. Josaphat Kuntsevich in Rasony, priest Viachaslau Barok, who recently served a 10-day arrest for allegedly propagating Nazi symbols on social networks. Vitsebsk priests, Viktar and Greek Catholic priest Father Aliaksei, were detained for picketing, violating administrative article 23.34. Discussing such news, people sometimes question whether a priest can express his civic position or his task is exclusively to work in the temple, with the flock. Reflecting on this, Bishop Aleh Butkevich notes:

- The fact that a priest should work in a church and work with his flock is indisputable. On the other hand, the priest remains a citizen of his country. And he timidly remains the representative of the Church, and the Catholic Church always defends human dignity, protects his life. It does it in a broader, global sense. And the statements of priests on this topic are their duty to pay attention to imperfections in our society. It's crazy, you have to pay attention to the fact that the church is not a political party; it cannot act as a political force. But it is always on the defense of human rights, his dignity, and his life.

In his Christmas wishes, Bishop Aleh Butkevich once again emphasizes the importance of spirituality and faith as the foundations for achieving justice and freedom. And he wishes the Belarusians health, success, and God's blessing.