In a speech at the reception, Dmitry Medvedev noted that relations between church and state are built on the constitutional principles of freedom of conscience and worship and non-intervention by the state authorities in religious organisations’ activities.
Mr Medvedev thanked the Russian Orthodox Church for its contribution to building Russian statehood, developing the national culture and affirming spiritual and moral values in society.
The reception was held to mark the Enthronement of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill.