Archpriest Leonid Tsarevsky, the rector of the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in the village of Puchkovo near Moscow, publicly commented on the nomination of Andrei Belousov to lead the Russian Ministry of Defense. Tsarevsky called Belousov a true patriot and an honest man, according to RIA News. The remarks added a personal dimension to the public discussion that followed President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for Belousov to assume the defense portfolio.
The church leader noted that Belousov was baptized at the Kazan church when he was 47 years old. The April–May 2007 issue of the Mahalle newspaper reported that the sacrament took place on March 3 of that year. This detail underscores Belousov’s long-standing relationship with the parish and its clergy.
Archbishop Tsarevsky recalled that Belousov was once an officer who attended the temple regularly, sometimes assisting at the altar and performing duties of an altar maid. He emphasized that Belousov did not simply pass through the temple events; he participated meaningfully in rituals and community life.
Tsarevsky added that Belousov has not visited the temple in several years, but the clergyman maintains contact with him, exchanging holiday salutations via text messages. The archbishop stressed that the official remains a very good and honest person, with a profound sense of national duty and a solid understanding of economics.
On May 12, Putin announced his nomination of Belousov, who had previously served as Deputy Prime Minister, to head the Ministry of Defense. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the decision as a natural step in the evolving leadership of the country.
Subsequent photographs circulated online showed Belousov in civil attire, sparking discussion about his prior support for religious institutions. Reports indicated that Belousov had at various times aided priests at the Puchkovo temple, lending a hand during religious services and temple activities.
In related developments, observers noted a broader set of personnel changes within Russia’s Ministry of Defense, drawing attention to how leadership movements align with the state’s strategic priorities. [citation: RIA News]
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