“We have never detached ourselves from the Church, since the State and the Church have one mission,” said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on 7 January at the Cathedral of the Holy Ghost in Minsk.

“We have always relied on the ideas of the Church, evolved through millennia; we have, in fact, chosen [the Church] to be the main ideologist of Belarusian statehood; and we have made no mistake in doing so,” the President said.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasised that only together, by joint efforts of the state and all the denominations of Belarus, it is possible to consolidate our common home – Belarus – and give an adequate response to present-day challenges. “It is good that we live honestly and openly in our cosy and warm common home, no matter what religion we practise,” the Head of State said.

The President thanked church hierarch Filaret for the help of the Belarusian Orthodox Church in improving the nation’s health. By way of a reminder, Alexander Lukashenko said that 2008 was declared the Year of Health. “The Year of Health is not just an appeal to take up skiing straight away or something. First of all we should revamp hospitals at all levels – district, regional, central,” the Head of State said. The equipment used in Belarusian hospitals and at feldsher-midwife stations has become badly worn-out. Therefore, this year, or, at the latest, next year, the equipment should be thoroughly upgraded. Alexander Lukashenko also pointed to the need to improve the care for the lonely elderly people.

“This is going to be a difficult year, and we will have to spend much money in order to ensure good health of our citizens. This year's results will be assessed according to practical criteria,” he added.

In 2007, which in Belarus was declared the Year of Child, for the first time in the past 10 years in Belarus, birth rate exceeded mortality rate, Alexander Lukashenko said. “This is great happiness. No other European state can boast such success. We must get the same result in the Year of Health,” said the President.

In 2008, Belarus should make a major breakthrough in economy, the Head of State said. “This will be a tough year. Not because of the growing energy prices, but because we should make a breakthrough to ensure economic growth, build a foundation for improving economic wellbeing,” Alexander Lukashenko said. “This is why after the holidays one should immediately focus on one’s work so that, as a result of our labour, we and our children could live better. This year will be the pivotal year of the current five-year planning period. The tasks we are facing are very challenging, and we must fulfil them,” the President said.