Official website of the President of Russia

News   /

The head of the state said, in particular:

“Over many years, your fruitful activities as head of the Russian Orthodox Church have won you respect and authority within our country. For many years your words as Patriarch have preached mercy, tolerance and acceptance and provided people with strong spiritual support. In many respects, it is due to your efforts that today the Russian Orthodox Church has become an integral part of civil society in Russia and a factor of stability in relations between different religious and ethnic groups. Its educational, charitable and peace-making activities deserve special gratitude.

I sincerely wish you, your Holiness, new successes in your position, excellent health, peace and longevity.”