Putin congratulated Orthodox on Christmas
Moscow. January 7. INTERFAX.RU — Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Orthodox Christians and all Russian citizens celebrating Christmas, the press service of the Kremlin.
In the congratulation the head of state, in particular:
“I cordially congratulate you on Christmas.
This holiday gives to millions of believers the joy and hope, introducing them to the spiritual sources and national traditions. Brings together timeless Christian values, centuries-old historical and cultural heritage of our people.
With great satisfaction I note a fruitful, truly selfless work of the Russian Orthodox Church, other Christian denominations in promoting and maintaining civil peace and accord in our country, the development of interreligious and interethnic dialogue. And of course, their significant contribution to the strengthening in the society high moral ideals, education of the younger generation, the solution of urgent social problems.
I wish Orthodox Christians, all of you who celebrate Christmas, health, success, prosperity.
Earlier it was reported that Putin arrived in the Church of the Holy and righteous Simeon the God-receiver and Anna the Prophetess in St. Petersburg to participate in the Christmas service. In the course of it he gave the Church an icon.