President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Holiness, good afternoon.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia: Good afternoon.
Vladimir Putin: Your Holiness, I would like to congratulate you on your Name Day, the feast day of your heavenly patron, Saint Cyril, Equal-to-the-Apostles. As is well known, he was not only the creator of the alphabet – and, in essence, the foundation of our written language – but was also rightly regarded as a philosopher, a man of profound intellect and great learning.
Your Holiness, today your experience in fostering inter-church dialogue is especially important. But no less significant for us, and for Russia as a whole, is the strengthening of interfaith harmony within the country. This has always been essential, and in the current circumstances it is particularly vital. We must preserve the unity of the multinational and multiconfessional people of Russia.
Thank you very much for your efforts.
Patriarch Kirill: I sincerely thank you, Mr President, for your words and for your leadership, particularly in your approach to church affairs and to the religious life of our nation as a whole.
You are someone who understands the importance of the religious factor, and throughout history religion has always been among the most powerful forces shaping society. When ideological arguments lose their influence, it is always religion that helps unite people and inspire resistance against enemies.
And today, by the grace of God, Russia has preserved its religious beliefs and spiritual foundations. I do not wish to compare our country with others, but Russia represents a unique example of a modern civilisation that has not renounced its history, traditions, or faith, while at the same time continuing to advance in science, culture, sports, and many other fields, often achieving results no less significant, and in some areas even greater, than those of other nations. And, of course, your tremendous contribution to this process as the leader of our country cannot be overstated.
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