Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has sent a greeting telegram to Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill on his 70th birthday, the Kremlin’s press service said on Nov. 20.
"You have devoted many years to the selfless service to the Russian Orthodox Church, to consistent and solid defense of its values and ideas," the telegram reads. "Your tireless concern for preservation of the unique historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of Russia, support for the family, educating the younger generation have earned the most sincere respect to you."
Putin highlighted "the huge input" Patriarch Kirill is making "in development of inter-religious and inter-ethnic dialogues, in strengthening of peace and social harmony in this country."
On Nov. 20, Vladimir Putin signed an order on awarding Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia the Order For Services to the Fatherland "for his outstanding contribution to preserving and developing spiritual and cultural traditions, and his active educational and peacekeeping efforts aimed at strengthening friendship between peoples."
Source: TASS