Belarusian Orthodox Church Establishes New Synodal Department for Culture and Church Art

OCP News Service – 02/01/2024

Minsk-Belarus: The Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, during its meeting on December 27, 2023, approved the creation of a dedicated Synodal Department for Culture and Church Art. This new department was formed by separating it from the existing Synodal Department of the Belarusian Orthodox Church for Church Art, Architecture, and Restoration, marking a significant development in the organizational structure of the Church.

The newly established department will be led by Archpriest Ioann Zadorozhin, who currently serves as the rector of the Church of the Holy Spirit in the village of Gatovo, Minsk region. Archpriest Zadorozhin also holds key positions such as Chairman of the Council for Culture of the Minsk Diocese and Director of the Minsk Theological School.

As part of the restructuring, the Council for Culture of the Minsk Diocese will now be integrated into the Synodal Department for Culture and Church Art. Furthermore, it will undergo a name change, becoming the Church-Public Council for Culture.

The department’s structure has been meticulously organized, with specific managers assigned to oversee distinct areas:

• Church and Public Council for Culture: Archpriest Ioann Zadorozhin
• Church and Public Council for the Development of Church Singing: Vitaly Ivanovich Sobolevsky, Artistic Director of the Bishop’s Choir of the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk
• Iconographic Direction: Priest Alexy Shishko, Clergyman of the Molodechno Diocese
• Bell Ringing Direction: Priest Nikolai Kulinka, Cleric of the Minsk Diocese

Concurrently, the existing Synodal Department of the Belarusian Orthodox Church for Church Art, Architecture, and Restoration will undergo a name change to reflect its refined focus. It will be known as the Synodal Department of the Belarusian Orthodox Church for Church Architecture and Restoration. This adjustment comes in response to the transfer of specific functions to the newly established Synodal Department for Culture and Church Art.

The decisions made by the Synod underline the Belarusian Orthodox Church’s commitment to nurturing and advancing cultural and artistic aspects within the Church, ensuring a comprehensive and specialized approach to the diverse elements of Orthodox worship and heritage.

Source:

OCP News Service