President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, Your Holiness.
Patriarch Kirill: Good afternoon, Mr President.
Vladimir Putin: I warmly and sincerely congratulate you on Enthronement Day.
Patriarch Kirill: Thank you very much.
Vladimir Putin: 15 years have passed, and I believe that you have not even noticed it.
Patriarch Kirill: You are right, the time has passed very quickly.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you for your efforts.
Patriarch Kirill: Thank you very much. These 15 years have been marked by a very high level of relations between the church and the state. This has made it possible to achieve what seemed inconceivable in the past.
We have opened new dioceses, churches, convents and monasteries. Most importantly, we have been actively working with young people and children. Indeed, these activities were banned in this country for a long time, but now they are developing rapidly.
I would like to sincerely thank you for supporting all citizens of Russia. I would like to especially mention those affiliated with our church and for your help to the church as an institution.
I sincerely thank you.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.
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