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These spring days of celebration bring spiritual joy and hope to millions of Russians, Mr Putin said in his message of congratulations. The President noted that the Russian Orthodox Church and the other traditional Christian churches in Russia have become an important part of our country’s civil society, have succeeded in gathering significant intellectual and material resources and putting them to use in active social, educational and cultural work, and are playing a big part in providing the young generation with a decent upbringing, combating the spread of social vices and strengthening the institution of the family.

The President attended the midnight Easter service, led by Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexii II at Christ the Saviour Cathedral.

Following the first part of the service, Mr Putin presented the Patriarch with the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God. The icon was taken out of Soviet Russia in the 1920s and auctioned in London in the 1980s. It was recently repurchased and returned to Russia. As he handed over the icon, Mr Putin said that the state authorities would continue to help the Church return sacred property that had been lost and restore ruined monasteries and churches. “We will persevere in gathering bit by bit all that can be saved and returned to our country”. Mr Putin said. The Patriarch in return thanked the President and wished him God’s aid in serving the Russian people.