President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has sent greetings to the participants of the commemorative events on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the repose of St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
Dear friends!
April 7 marks the 100th anniversary of the repose of Holy Patriarch Tikhon, who was elected Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church after the restoration of the Patriarchate in 1917.
Having led the Russian Orthodox Church in a difficult time for our Motherland, he passed through all trials and persecutions with dignity. He showed an example of firmness of spirit and true Christian self-denial, selfless service to the Fatherland, and loyalty to his people.
Orthodox people remembered St. Tikhon as an active archpastor who cared about preserving the traditions and canons of the Orthodox Church, a wise and compassionate mentor who was always ready to help them. And his canonization at the Bishops' Council of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1989 was a recognition of his outstanding ecclesiastical and public services.
Patriarch Tikhon's primatial feat, his tireless labors, and rich spiritual and humanistic heritage still inspire the Russian Orthodox Church to participate ascetically in the life of Russia. We highly appreciate the significant contribution of the clergy to the establishment of moral ideals in society, to the strengthening of interethnic harmony and interreligious peace, their call for mercy and justice, for unity and cohesion, for the national support of our heroes fighting for a just cause. And, of course, we look forward to continuing fruitful cooperation in such important areas as education and healthcare, preserving cultural and historical heritage, protecting the family, motherhood and childhood, and patriotic education of young people.
I wish all participants and guests of the memorable events useful communication and all the best.
Vladimir Putin