Dmitry Medvedev sent a congratulatory telegram to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on the 35th anniversary of his pontifical consecration.
The congratulatory telegram reads, in part:
“You have found your calling in the ministry and are carrying out your mission with great care. Your ministerial path has been greatly influenced by the name of St Cyril, educator and equal to the apostles, who serves as an example of the strength of spirit, sincere concern for people’s welfare, and devotion to the Russian Orthodox Church and the Fatherland.
Your personal efforts have led to the development of constructive interaction between Church and State, aimed at renewing the life of our nation. Your desire to combine firm commitment to traditional spiritual values, the openness of the Church, and the promotion of conciliarity principle within it is worthy of deep respect.”