The congratulatory message reads, in part:
“In Russia, we have a profound respect toward the venerable Armenian church, which has maintained its Christian faith for many centuries. We greatly value the good relations that exist between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church, as they have always played and will continue to play a special role in strengthening the friendship and trust between our nations which is evidenced by the construction of the Armenian cathedral in Moscow and of the Orthodox cathedral in Armenia. As a respected religious authority who pays significant attention to humanitarian ties between Russia and Armenia, you have personally contributed to building our bilateral relations.
You also make a notable contribution to strengthening interfaith dialogue. I am confident that your efforts within the Interfaith Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States, which was co-founded by the Armenian Apostolic Church, will help to promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus.”