Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev attended Orthodox Easter services in Moscow along with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill. Putin also sent out a greeting to all Orthodox Christians and all Russians for the religious holiday.
“The great holiday of Easter has a special moral meaning, carries in itself the unquenchable light of faith, fills the hearts of people with joy, love, with aspiration for the good. Easter celebrations, which are widely organized throughout the country, turn us to the centuries-old traditions of our ancestors, contribute to establishment in society of the enduring spiritual values and ideals,” Putin’s telegram reads.
“With deep satisfaction I would like to highlight the creative, truly selfless work of the Russian Orthodox Church, representatives of other Christian confessions, aimed at solving important social problems, strengthening the institution of family, educating the younger generation, and harmonizing inter-religious and inter-ethnic relations. And of course, their huge role in preserving our richest historical and cultural heritage,” the president said, reports Russian state news agency TASS.
Patriarch Kirill added during the service, “I wish to all of you to experience this special type of joy…We know that even in smallest churches, where the service is a lot simpler than in cathedrals, people feel this special joy in their hearts.”
“May the blessing and power of Christ, who defeated death, strengthen us in our faith and help us to wend our way through life,” Patriarch Kirill added.
