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Putin congratulates Russian patriarch on his enthronement anniversary

The head of state expressed conviction that the Church and will responsibly bear further the high mission

MOSCOW, February 1 (Itar-Tass) – Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill on the Enthronement Day.

In particular, Putin said in a congratulatory message, which the Kremlin press service has made public,

“You gained the unquestionable authority for your fervent selfless service, devoted service to the homeland and people. Thanks to your efforts a fruitful dialogue between the Church and the state authorities was filled with the new content. The Russian Orthodox Church is participating actively in resolving large-scale, social and enlightenment tasks, which are in high demand in the modern times, and is doing much for the protection of family, maternity and childhood, the upbringing of the younger generation, the strengthening of eternal spiritual and moral values in the society. Your voice of the spiritual guide is appealing to people to seek for peace and unity and to make the deeds of charity and love.

“I am convinced that under your guidance the Church will continue to fulfil its high mission with responsibility,” Putin said in the congratulatory message.

The Russian Orthodox Church traditionally marks the enthronement day of the patriarch as a holiday every year. His Holiness Kirill was enthroned as Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia at the Cathedral of the Christ the Saviour on February 1, 2009.

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