The President’s message reads, in part:
“Easter celebrations bring joy and hope to millions of believers, introducing them to the spiritual sources and national traditions.
The Russian Orthodox Church plays an enormous formative role in preserving our rich historical and cultural heritage and in reviving eternal moral values. It works tirelessly to bring unity, to strengthen family ties and to educate the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism. It is making a great contribution to resolving social issues and strengthening inter-ethnic and inter-religious accord in the country. Such multifaceted work is very important today and deserves deep respect.”
On Saturday night, the President attended the Easter service conducted by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.