Conference on the Chernobyl disaster took place in the International Education Centre in Minsk

A conference on ‘Chernobyl as a Call for Repentance’ took place in the International Education Centre in Minsk in the framework of interconfessional dialogue to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.

Archpriest Sergi Gordun of the Minsk cathedral church presented a report on ‘The meaning of repentance in the spiritual life of a Christian’; a secretary of the Turov diocese priest Sergi Shevchenko of St.Michael’s cathedral church – on ‘Chernobyl disaster’; priest Mikhail Drozdov of Ss Peter and Paul cathedral church in Gomel – on ‘The Lord’s commandment on repentance in the light of the Chernobyl disaster’. Also presented were reports on ‘Why did Chernobyl disaster happen?’ and ‘The tragedy of Chernobyl: our attitude to it’.

A talk show discussion was held after the plenary session. Participants in the conference spoke about the present-day life in the Chernobyl zone and the problems of the locals. Suggestions were made concerning the actions of the Church to help people living within the zone to overcome their syndrome of dependence on humanitarian aid, to gain confidence in their future and in God’s grace, to awaken their initiative and a wish to live in accordance with the commandments of God.