Co-operation programme

Metropolitan Veniamin: priests and monks actively promote the vaccination campaign

Representatives of the Healthcare Ministry and the Belarusian Orthodox Church met at the Belarusian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education (BelMAPO) to discuss a programme of joint co-operation for the next few years. They talked about projects that doctors can implement together with church officials, as well as what has already been achieved. Separately, the main speakers touched on the topic of the vaccination campaign, concluding that everyone should approach this issue wisely and carefully. After all, it now depends on us when, and most importantly, how the pandemic will end.

Church and doctors have long been linked by close interaction, which every year becomes more and more productive. Healthcare Minister Dmitry Pinevich described the areas where joint work is being carried out today, “We touch upon issues of family problems, prevention of abortions, healthy lifestyles and quality of life. Of course, we also liaise on acute problems — this primarily concerns mental illness, alcohol and drug addiction. It seems to me that our interaction is indicative, and we can be proud of the positive results.”
The Minister noted that he has a very positive attitude to the recent address of Metropolitan Veniamin on the topic of vaccination, “My inspection of the red zones of different clinics is intensive, I have just returned from the 1st hospital. There, in the intensive care unit, I saw one patient who was vaccinated: she is not on ALV, but on high-flow oxygen, and all the doctors note that the woman responds well to treatment. That is, this once again confirms that vaccination is the most effective method in the fight against the virus. As we know, the church is not against vaccination, so if the congregation hears the priest’s voice, it will help us a lot.”
 
In turn, Metropolitan Veniamin emphasised that many clergymen, especially the older generation, are fully vaccinated, “I know that in some monasteries absolutely all the inhabitants were vaccinated, in some — selectively. This issue is resolved locally, depending on how often the monk communicates with people. It’s important to understand that it’s wrong to force something, but you need to explain and answer questions. Vaccination is a concern for many now, but we know that  vaccination is a business that has been going on for centuries, and thanks to it, it was possible to save the lives of many people. Indeed, there are some issues that keep a person from being vaccinated, but I think they should be addressed during a confidential conversation between a person and a doctor.”

“The Apostle tells us: ‘They were afraid where there is no fear’. That is, you do not need to worry too much about something, because this can cause more harm. It’s also important to be guided by the words of the Apostle Paul, who says that everyone should act according to the assurance of their heart. After prayer and reasoning, a person will internally feel what decision to make. Moreover, it is also important not to condemn those who did or did not get vaccinated for some reason — everyone has their own problems. We must find the right solution in peace and harmony.”

By Khristina Glushko