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Putin congratulates Russians on Orthodox Easter

"The great holiday of Easter turns us to the spiritual values of Orthodoxy and grants us the faith in triumph of justice," the president said

MOSCOW, May 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Orthodox Christians and all Russians celebrating Easter on Sunday, the Kremlin press service said.

"The great holiday of Easter arouses the kindest feelings in the hearts of millions of believers, unites them around the eternal spiritual values of Orthodoxy and the centuries-long historic and cultural traditions of our people," the president’s congratulatory telegram says.

The president highlighted the great role of the Russian Orthodox Church in education and charity, strengthening the moral foundations of the society and educating the younger generation.

"The church does a lot to solve the pressing social problems, to preserve the interethnic and inter-religious peace in the country. Such a many-sided and much-in-demand work deserves a deep and sincere recognition," the president stressed.

Putin also sent a congratulatory message to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the head of Russian Orthodox Church. "The great holiday of Easter turns us to the spiritual values of Orthodoxy and grants us the faith in triumph of justice," the president said, underlining the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in social life.

The resurrection of Christ according to the Julian calendar is celebrated in about 70 countries around the world with Orthodox churches and communities.

A magnificent and fascinating Easter service was held in Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia led the service broadcast live by federal television channels. Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his wife, as well as the mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobyanin attended the Easter service at the Cathedral among hundreds of worshippers.