Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has once again lauded Russian President Vladimir Putin in a letter marking the 25th anniversary of his official assumption of office as head of the Russian state.
“I would like to express my profound gratitude for the relationship between Church and State that has taken shape with your active support — a relationship without precedent in our nation’s history,” the Patriarch wrote.
Describing the past quarter-century as “a whole new era in Russia’s history,” Patriarch Kirill credited Putin’s leadership for steering the country through a difficult path and overcoming serious challenges — some of which, he noted, “threatened the very existence of the state,” echoing the Kremlin’s narrative of existential threats from the West.
He went on to commend the Russian president’s “devotion and patriotic spirit”: “Thanks to your unwavering will, courage, determination, sense of responsibility, and — above all — your infinite love for the Fatherland and devotion to duty, Russia has remained a unified, independent, and sovereign state.”
The Patriarch also praised the achievements of the Putin era, citing “significant progress in the socio-economic and scientific-technical development of the country,” as well as efforts to “unleash its vast intellectual and cultural potential.”
A significant portion of the letter was devoted to what Kirill described as the flourishing relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the state under Putin’s leadership. While formally reiterating that “the Church remains separate from the state,” the Patriarch emphasized the unprecedented level of cooperation — a clear sign of the close alignment between the Moscow Patriarchate and Kremlin policy.
He further stated that the president “deeply understands the unique importance of the Orthodox faith and culture in the life of our people.”
Concluding his message, Patriarch Kirill stressed the ongoing significance of Church-State collaboration:
“The fruitful dialogue between government and Church, fostered with your support, not only helps address daily challenges but also plays a vital role in the moral renewal and transformation of society.”
Source: Moscow Patriarchate / Translation: Konstantinos Menyktas
