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President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Your Eminence, dear Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches, dear participants of the Local Council, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends!

First of all allow me to congratulate Your Holiness sincerely on your ascension to the Patriarchal throne as Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. It is a huge event in our country's history, and in the lives of all Christian Orthodox peoples. It is an event that heralds a new era of growth for Orthodoxy in our country, and which will create, we hope, new conditions for a fully-fledged dialogue and accord, as you have just said, between the Russian Orthodox Church and the State.

The Patriarchal ministry really is an exceptionally difficult and great cross to bear. And the achievements made by the Patriarchy in Russia in the past are testament to the exceptionally close, special relation of the Patriarch towards his people, the protection he offers in many very difficult, at times tragic, circumstances. And today as Russia is evolving, with the world just as full of discord, scarred by the very same problems as it was many centuries ago, that kind of cooperation between the State and the Russian Orthodox Church, will be definitely sought-after for the development of our country, and of all Christian Orthodox peoples.

Russia is a complicated state, inhabited by many different peoples, by followers of different faiths, and in this sense also the mission of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia is wholly unique.

Your Holiness, allow me once more to congratulate you, in all sincerity, and to wish you success in this most holy service, health, and strength.

Thank you.