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To the Belarusan Community of New York and Suburbs |
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Tuesday, 25 March 2008 |
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The tension between the current leadership of the New York chapter of BAZA, particularly V. Zaika, and the congregation of St. Cyril’s of Turau Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY escalated considerably in the recent year. Similar manifestation of animosity can be compared to the one that took place twenty five years ago, when so-called “politicians”, without any regard to the established law, attempted to replace the governing body of the Church and to deprive Metropolitan Andrey of his spiritual protection over the parish. The consequent litigation process proved the governance of law; and those “politicians” distanced themselves after the unsuccessful lawsuit.
The crucial religious and political importance of BAOC (Belarusan Autocephalic Orthodox Church) to us and to Belarus is impossible to underestimate. Its political significance comes from the fact that free advancement of BAOC in Belarus will allow to force out the Russian Church and the Russian imperialism. Belarus will become a truly free country.
It comes as no surprise that Lukashenka’s regime does not allow establishment of BAOC in Belarus. There were a number of attempts to annihilate BAOC, especially the parish of St. Cyril’s of Turau in Brooklyn, NY. Moscow is continuing its destructive efforts up until this day and is likely to be driven by the desire to take over BAOC in the future.
During the recent fifty years, Belarusian organizations, e.g. BAZA, carried crucial and constructive work of informing the United States of the true situation in Belarus, strived for the country’s independence, and protested against unfair American foreign policy toward Belarus. This important work should be continued, however, any person disrespecting the Church on behalf of BAZA either has malevolent intentions or is loyal to Moscow. We should kick out such individuals.
All Belarusians should take national pride in attending regular worship services of BAOC. This will strengthen BAOC, Belarusian independent Church, and the Moscow’s throat with choke with a sharp bone.
Our motto- “Belong to BAOC - Belong to the Belarusian People”.
Rastsislau Garoshka
Head of Parochial Council
Cathedral of St. Cyril’s of Turau
Brooklyn, NY
March 25, 2008 |
