The congratulatory message reads, in part:
“The great holiday of Easter has special moral meaning, carries the eternal light of faith, fills people’s hearts with joy, love and their aspirations for good. Easter celebrations, widely held all over the country, remind us of the multi-century traditions of our ancestors, serve to strengthen the persistent moral values and ideals of our society.
With deep satisfaction I would like to highlight the creative, truly self-sacrificing work of the Russian Orthodox Church, and representatives of other Christian confessions, who strive to solve important social problems, consolidate family institution and harmonise inter-religious and inter-ethnic relations. And, of course, their role in preserving our richest historical, cultural heritage is immeasurable.”
Vladimir Putin attended the night Easter service at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia lead the service. According to tradition, the President and the Patriarch each gave the other an Easter present.