President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has congratulated His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on the 15th anniversary of his enthronement, according to the website of the head of state.
"I cordially and sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of the enthronement Day," Vladimir Putin said, greeting the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. "I don't think you've even noticed how these 15 years have flown by."
"Thank you very much. These 15 years have been marked by a very high level of church-state relations, thanks to which it was possible to achieve what in the past it was even impossible to imagine — the opening of new dioceses, temples, monasteries," His Holiness Patriarch Kirill noted.
"But the most important thing is very extensive work with young people, with children, what has really been banned for many years in our country, and what is now actively developing," the Primate of the Russian Church stressed.
"I sincerely thank you for the support you provide to all Russian citizens, especially those who belong to our Church, and for the help of the Church itself as an institution," His Holiness added.
The Russian President also cordially thanked the Primate of the Russian Church for his efforts.

The Press Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia