On December 21, 2023, the first Christmas Republican Botkin readings took place at the Vitebsk State Medical University with the participation of honored guests Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavsky Benjamin, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Bishop of Drutsk Eusebius, Vicar of the Vitebsk Diocese, Chief Rabbi of the religious association of communities of progressive Judaism in Belarus Grigory Abramovich, Priest Roman Artemova – acting Chairman of the Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Service of the BOC.

The conference was also attended by the heads of practical healthcare institutions of the Republic of Belarus, the representatives of the diocese of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, the teachers and students of VSMU, the representatives of public organizations, and volunteers.

Metropolitan Benjamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech, who emphasized the importance of interaction between the state and the Orthodox Church in the field of protecting the health of citizens of the Republic of Belarus, exchange of experience in providing medical, social and spiritual assistance in the Republic of Belarus, features of pastoral ministry in state and non-state medical and medical-social institutions.

The University Rector Alexey Chukanov emphasized the importance of sharing experience in the practical work of clergy and physicians in the training of doctors.

Particular attention was paid to psychological culture, ethical and deontological aspects of the professional activities of future medical workers, harmonization of students’ spiritual values, etc.

Based on the results of the Republican Botkin Readings, a Resolution was adopted.