Patriarch Kirill of Moscow was one of the first to wish the Russian President Vladimir Putin, who turned 68 today.
“Your many years of service in the homeland is an excellent example of responsible treatment for the obligations that have been placed on you. By defending the interests of the country and taking care of the well-being of our fellow citizens, you give priority in maintaining peace and social cohesion in Russia and you take care of its socio-economic development,” the Patriarch said in his message.
Patriarch Kirill expressed his gratitude for the Russian state’s cooperation with the Church and thanked Putin for “paying attention to the needs of the Orthodox faithful and supporting the various initiatives of the Patriarchate of Moscow.” He also said that he is convinced that this cooperation will continue in the future.
