Putin notes Patriarch Kirill’s contribution to cooperation with representatives of all religions

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has pointed to the contribution made by head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, to the development of cooperation with representatives of all traditional religions. "During the years of your patriarchal service the joint work of the church and the state has been taken to a new level. Together, we marked many important events in our history," Putin told a gala event dedicated to the patriarch’s 70th birthday. Among them were the 1025th anniversary of introducing Christianity to Kievan Rus, the 700th birth anniversary of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the 1000th anniversary of the death of Great Prince Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles, he noted. "You pay special attention to the development of fruitful cooperation with representatives of all traditional religions in Russia. I can see their representatives in this hall, and this is not a mere coincidence," the president stressed. Putin also noted the patriarch’s contribution to charitable activities and initiatives within the framework of the spiritual and educational projects, including in high schools, colleges, universities and pre-school facilities. Read more