A meeting took place between Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of the Patriarch’s enthronement as Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The President congratulated Patriarch Kirill on the anniversary, noting the significant role played by the Russian Orthodox Church throughout Russia’s history in strengthening the nation and supporting society.
President Putin highlighted not only the spiritual mission of the Church, but also “the extensive administrative responsibilities borne by the Patriarch in leading such a large ecclesiastical structure”. He underlined that “since Patriarch Kirill’s enthronement, the organizational life of the Church has been strengthened, parishes and church structures have been reinforced”, and “this has enabled more effective spiritual ministry”.
“These are your personal achievements,” President Putin said, adding that they have allowed the Church to carry out its pastoral mission more effectively. He thanked Patriarch Kirill for his work and once again offered his congratulations.
Patriarch Kirill thanked the President and spoke about the current model of cooperation between the Church and the State in Russia, describing it as a unique case in Christian history, particularly in the Russian context.
He recalled earlier historical periods when the Church was closely tied to state power and later endured persecution following the revolution. Patriarch Kirill stated that the present relationship between Church and State demonstrates both a correct approach by the State toward the Church and the respected place of the Church in society, offering spiritual support to the people.
He expressed gratitude to President Putin for his personal contribution to the development of church–state relations and wished him God’s help in continuing his work for the good of the country and the people.
President Putin noted that this process began during the presidency of Boris Yeltsin and the patriarchate of Alexy II, and affirmed that these efforts continue today.
Divine Liturgy Celebrated in Moscow for the 17th Anniversary of Patriarch Kirill’s Enthronement
On February 1, 2026, the Russian Orthodox Church prayerfully marked the 17th anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, who was elected to the Patriarchal Throne at the Local Council of 2009. Prayers for the Primate of the Church were offered in churches and monasteries throughout Russia.
On this day, Patriarch Kirill presided at the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, wearing enthronement vestments and holding a copy of the staff of Saint Peter of Moscow. Before the service, he paid his respects to the relics of Saint Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow.
The Divine Liturgy was concelebrated by numerous hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church, including metropolitans from various regions of Russia, Belarus, Central Asia, Africa, and the Moscow Patriarchate, as well as representatives of other Local Orthodox Churches, among them the Patriarchates of Antioch and Serbia, the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, and the Orthodox Church in America.
Clergy of the Moscow diocese, abbots and abbesses of stavropegial monasteries, and representatives of church institutions also took part in the service. A delegation of the Coptic Orthodox Church, led by Bishop Daniel, participated in prayer, reflecting the inter-Christian presence at the celebration.
Celebrations at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
Following the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Kirill received congratulations from clergy, state officials, and public figures in the Throne Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow.
Later the same day, after a festive meal, a general greeting of the Patriarch took place in the Hall of the Supreme Church Council of the Cathedral. Clergy of the city of Moscow, including vicar bishops, deans of church districts, abbots and abbesses of stavropegial monasteries, were in attendance.
Clergy of Moscow Address the Patriarch
On behalf of the clergy and faithful, Metropolitan Grigory of Voskresensk, Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate, addressed Patriarch Kirill.
He recalled that seventeen years ago Patriarch Kirill was enthroned in the same cathedral and emphasized the profound changes in church life in Moscow during these years. He noted that under the Patriarch’s guidance, church life in the capital has become an example for other dioceses, with restored and newly built churches increasingly filled with worshippers.
Metropolitan Grigory also stressed the Patriarch’s strong focus on educational, social, and youth ministry, as well as spiritual formation-areas of particular importance in contemporary society.
“Today all Orthodox Moscow prays for you, Your Holiness,” he concluded, thanking God for granting the Church such a Primate.
