The President sent Name Day greetings to the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The message reads, in part:
“It is significant that your Name Day coincides with the wide celebrations of the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture in Russia, dedicated to the great enlighteners, Cyril and Methodius. I would like to underscore your many years of tireless selfless work as Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, and your sincere concern for the spiritual well-being of the Russian people. You are doing much to support the enduring values of Orthodoxy. You are making a significant contribution to maintaining civil peace and harmonising interreligious and interethnic dialogue, and directing your efforts to preserving our unique historical and cultural heritage.”