The Patriarch informed Mr Putin that an act reuniting the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad with the Moscow Patriarchate would be signed on May 17, 2007.
Patriarch Alexii II considers that this is not only a religious event – it is also one that brings together Russians who were separated because of chance and historical events at the beginning of the era of the persecution of religion. Alexii II pointed out that today all reasons and obstacles that had prevented such a reunification have been overcome.
The President said that the signing of the act that will reunite the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad with the Moscow Patriarchate and establish a unified Russian Orthodox Church will be an event of immense significance not only for religion but also for society.