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The message from the President to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia reads, in part:

“This is the first celebration of Easter that you will spend as Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. You benefit from a high degree of trust of Orthodox believers and a great responsibility for the fate of the Russian Orthodox Church. All your previous work experience suggests that you will display true Christian self-sacrifice as you continue to lead the Russian Orthodox Church in its performance of spiritual and social ministry, and use the word of the Patriarch to give Orthodox believers moral support and hope.

Today the Russian Orthodox Church – who has seen its integrity revived and restored – enjoys great authority in our society. With your active participation, constructive cooperation between the Moscow Patriarchate and public authorities continues. This has a positive impact on the development of education and culture, the education of the younger generation, strengthening family values and the realisation of important social programmes.

I share in your celebration of Easter and sincerely wish you good health, mental strength and success in patriarchal service.”