Lukashenko explains concept behind Spiritual Revival Award

 He recalled that in the early 1990s, during the first years of independence, the search for a Belarusian Orthodox relic, the Cross of Euphrosyne of Polotsk, was a prominent theme. At that time, Aleksandr Lukashenko, then a presidential candidate, remarked in an interview that the economy must come first and artifacts would follow.

“Yet in a certain sense, we found this special core. And very quickly - in the heart of the people,” he stressed. “The people who revived the normal pace of national economic development in the shortest time. Those who, despite financial hardships, sustained traditions of folk and other forms of art, entirely non-commercial and, at that time, perhaps unpopular. We found it in people of goodwill - compassionate and selfless, who preserved their inner purity even in such difficult times.”

The president noted that two years after Belarus’ first presidential election, the Spiritual Revival award was established using funds earned by the entire country. “Year after year, we have been awarding it to acknowledge the deeds done out of the call of the heart, not for show. In the name of art, not for sale. For the good of the country, but not for fame," - he said.

The head of state said that the words “spirituality” and “culture” are closely interconnected and cannot exist without one another. “Culture is the pulse of life, the life of our people. If we preserve the material, creative, and spiritual heritage of our ancestors, we have a history. If there is something to preserve, it means there is a nation, and it means there is a state. Simple truth. Thank you to all who put them into practice, who safeguard historical memory, culture, and spiritual values,” the president said. 

The Belarusian leader emphasized that the idea behind the Spiritual Revival Award ceremony is profoundly important. “We have created a tradition that has already become a cultural achievement of our generation. Our children will certainly preserve it. I am absolutely convinced of this. I am convinced because of you, the laureates, creative and deeply enlightened individuals. There is your example, which inspires,” the head of state said.  

Aleksandr Lukashenko congratulated the winners of the Spiritual Revival award, the special prizes for cultural and art luminaries and the Belarusian Sports Olympus award on their well-deserved recognition. "Both the concept and the ceremony itself that we are holding at the Palace of the Republic during these blessed, festive days come from life itself. From our shared history," Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

The head of state also extended Christmas greetings to all Belarusians: “May success accompany each of you in your endeavors. May all your dreams come true, and may your hearts be filled with good cheer, warmth and joy. I wish you the most important things of all: peace, kindness, and well-being.”