In the course of his recent visit to the Russian South, Patriarch Kirill has held a meeting with top officials and clergy of that region. His Holiness has made important remarks of the social and moral issues of the present day.

– I have always been primarily concerned with the inner, spiritual component of our national spirit, – said the Patriarch. – Recently – and, of course, this is also God's mercy over Russia – there are indications of the upsurge in religious life, including the numbers of young people who consciously come to church. Not because their grandmother or grandfather took them by the hand, but by their own decision, driven by their own resolve.

The Primate of the Russian Church has noted that intelligentsia also turns to God and this factor considerably influences the spiritual and intellectual condition of the national life. 

– There is still much work to be done by all of us, but this vector of the spiritual development of the nation is undoubtedly now directed, as I said recently, forward and upward, – affirmed Patriarch Kirill. – Forward – so that the country becomes materially, economically stronger and politically more united, that our armed forces are ready to resist any aggression. And upwards – this means towards the Lord. But if there is only "forward," it is quite possible to go astray.

Source: http://www.patriarchia.ru/db/text/5940139.html