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Patriarch Kirill congratulates Putin on 60th birthday

The patriarch characterized the president’s life journey as that of “a far-sighted politician and a true patriot of his country”

MOSCOW, October 7 (Itar-Tass) — Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill has congratulated President Vladimir Putin who marks on Sunday his 60th birthday.

The patriarch characterized the president’s life journey as that of “a far-sighted politician and a true patriot of his country”.

“Today a bid of Russian citizens to live in peace and accord, to determine their own destiny and to preserve spiritual and cultural identity is realized a lot owing to your efforts and timely decisions,” Patriarch Kirill said.

According to him, “the leadership of the country pays due attention to social and economic development, the strengthening of spiritual and moral foundations of citizens’ life as well as the social structure”.

“As a result of your active and consistent moves, Russia is confidently affirming its positions in the world as a modern and strong state,” the patriarch stressed. He expressed special gratitude to President Putin “for sympathetic attitude to cares and aspirations of the Russian Orthodox Church as well as other traditional confessions of our country”.

He expressed confidence that the development of a dialogue between the Church and the state and cooperation on key directions “will be invariably contributing to social stability, peace and accord in the society”.

The patriarch wished the president “spiritual and corporal strength, God’s help and success in work for the benefit of the Fatherland”.

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