On September 8, 2026, Minsk hosted the XXVII Congress of the Belarusian Red Cross, which was attended by delegates from all over the country, representatives of government agencies and international partners. The Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavsky, Archbishop Stefan of Gomel and Zhlobinsky, Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Service of the Belarusian Exarchate for the Minsk diocese, rector of the parish of the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Vsetsarina" in Minsk, Archpriest Nikolai Sukhanovich, were present in the hall.
In his speech, Dmitry Shevtsov, Secretary General of the Belarusian Red Cross, noted that the organization worked in the conditions of the migration crisis on the Belarusian‐Polish border, helped refugees from Ukraine in the Belarusian‐Russian direction and continues to support people who choose Belarus as their place of residence.
The Belarusian Red Cross covers a large number of support areas. "Assistance to the poor, the disabled, children who are in the care of the state, children with disabilities, in difficult life situations. We also take care of elderly people living alone. They should also feel the care not only of the state, but also of society," Dmitry Shevtsov emphasized.
Metropolitan Veniamin noted that the Church encourages people to be compassionate and considerate of one's neighbor, and the path of service and helping others is seen as an important part of spiritual growth and inner perfection. In this context, the cooperation between the Church and the Belarusian Red Cross is of particular importance.
According to His Eminence, joining forces helps strengthen the spiritual component of social work and makes helping people more meaningful and meaningful.