Protestant church in fresh eviction ordeal
New Life protestant church in Minsk is ordered by Supreme Economic Court to vacate premises within a week after complaints from utilities department.
The court took this decision on the basis of the note filed by the Housing Repairs and Utilities Association of Maskouski district, Minsk. Radio Liberty reminds that the Protestant church got the identical letter on November 27, 2012. The believers then prayed for the situation to be solved for 8 days, and the Housing Repairs and Utilities Association withdrew its demands the day before the appointed ousting date. On the whole, the Minsk authorities have tried to oust the church since 2005. In 2006, the parishers even went on a hunger-strike in protest against the authorities' actions. They came through more than 30 court trials.
Meanwhile, Pastor of the "New Life" Vyachaslau Hancharenka is in the intensive care hospital now with a suspicion of a blood-stroke.
The believers have started the everyday prayers again. The church will celebrate its 21st anniversary in the upcoming weekend.
Photo: svaboda.org
