On February 1, 2025, the Russian Orthodox Church prayerfully marked the 16th anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill. In all churches and monasteries, prayers were offered for the Head of the Church, who was elected at the 2009 Local Council to the Patriarchal Throne of Moscow and All Russia, according to patriarchia.ru. On this day, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill led the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The church celebration was attended by high-ranking guests, including deputy heads of the Government and members of the State Duma.

After the liturgy, Patriarch Kirill addressed the faithful with a word of encouragement, urging them to preserve the faith and pass it on to future generations. He noted that the Church is currently experiencing an especially favorable period but emphasized that this brings great responsibility.

"The conditions are so favorable, such as have not been seen in the recent history of our country. But what does this mean? <...> If today we miss something, we will be held to a higher account. To whom much is given, of him much will be required. So, no resting on our laurels," said the Patriarch after the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill at the Kremlin and congratulated him on the 16th anniversary of his enthronement, thanking him for all that he does for Russia. In turn, Patriarch Kirill noted that religious life in Russia had significantly developed during President Putin's tenure. Special attention was given to the spiritual support the Church provides to the homeland.

Patriarch Kirill sincerely thanked Putin "for his attitude toward the many people of ours who belong to the Russian Orthodox Church and are patriots of our Fatherland, for supporting many important social and educational initiatives of our Church." "Under your leadership, religious life in the country has indeed developed very powerfully. And this gives us every reason to judge that, as in ancient times, today the Orthodox Church stands on the position of spiritual protection of our dear homeland," emphasized the Patriarch.

Congratulations to Patriarch Kirill were also sent by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.

Photo: patriarchia.ru