Speaking at the ceremony, President Vladimir Putin addressed his greetings to parents of large families, young families and senior citizens.
Mr Putin said that laying the foundations for a strong family requires immense daily effort, hard work, patience and responsibility. The Year of the Family should make a vital contribution to reviving a responsible and respectful attitude towards family values, the President said.
Earlier, Mr Putin declared 2008 the Year of the Family in Russia. A decree to this effect was signed in June 2007.