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The congratulatory reads, in part:

“The great holiday of Easter symbolises spiritual renewal, the celebration of life and high moral ideals. On these beautiful spring days, the hearts of people are filled with special joy and love for their nearest and dearest, and with great hopes and a sincere desire to do noble things, good deeds.

This holiday brings together millions of believers across the country and our compatriots abroad. All Orthodox believers share its eternal values and respect its history and cultural heritage.

It is very important that today the Russian Orthodox Church continues its tradition of responsible ministry, helping people discover their faith and become familiar with spiritual origins. The Church is actively and creatively involved in public life, does a great deal to strengthen moral principles and traditional family values, and to cultivate moral values in younger generation.”

Mr Medvedev and his spouse attended the Easter service at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour led by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia .

After the service, Mr Medvedev presented the Patriarch with the icon of the Sweet Kiss of the Mother of God as a gift to Russia’s Armed Forces. The icon will be displayed in the church of one the armed forces units.