Official website of the President of Russia

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The message of greeting reads, in part:

“With your fruitful and selfless hard work as the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, with your loyal service to the Fatherland and the people, you have earned great authority and recognition both in our country and abroad. Your pastoral word teaches mercy, religious tolerance and patience; it helps people to find a firm spiritual support.

To a large extent, thanks to your efforts, the Russian Orthodox Church has become an integral part of civil society in Russia and a factor of stability in inter-ethnic and inter-faith relations. I want to particularly thank you for your prominent educational, charity and peace-making mission.”