Lukashenko Awarded Prestigious Russian Orthodox Order

MINSK, BELARUS – June 6, 2025 – In a ceremony held today at the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was awarded the Order of St. Daniel of Moscow, First Class, by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The award recognizes Lukashenko's contribution to Belarusian-Russian relations and the development of the Orthodox Church in Belarus. The ceremony was marked by warm exchanges between the two leaders. Patriarch Kirill praised Lukashenko's leadership, stating, "The changes in Belarus are enormous, not just economically, but in the overall atmosphere." Lukashenko, in turn, expressed gratitude for the honor and emphasized the strong fraternal ties between the Belarusian and Russian peoples. The Order of St. Daniel of Moscow is a high honor bestowed by the Russian Orthodox Church, signifying significant contributions to the church and state relations. This event underscores the close relationship between Belarus and the Russian Orthodox Church, a key element of Belarusian society and politics.