VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
Upon arriving at Patriarch Kirill's residence at Chisty Pereulok, Vladimir Putin wished him a happy birthday and presented him with a bouquet of white roses.
"Thank you. As far as I know, you've come with good news," Patriarch Kirill said.
Mr Putin told Patriarch Kirill that he had attended a mixed martial arts match between Russia's Fedor Emelianenko and Jeff Monson of the United States. Mr Putin said he spoke with the athletes, adding that they were like one big family.
"I have known Fedor for a long time. My congratulations to him on his win," Patriarch Kirill said.
A conversation between Mr Putin and Patriarch Kirill followed.
* * *
Earlier today, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent a message congratulating Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on his 65th birthday.
The message reads, in part:
"Your fruitful activities as the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church have earned you authority and respect both in Russia and abroad. Your wise words teach us mercy and tolerance, and help people find a solid spiritual foundation. You have consistently upheld Orthodox values and helped strengthen people's trust in the clergy and the Church. Your contribution to restoring and promoting the role of the Russian Orthodox Church as a major public institution, whose important mission is to revive and preserve timeless moral and cultural values in society, cannot be overestimated.
"Today, the Church has notably expanded the scope of its social work and educational activities, as well as its selfless and much-needed work to educate the younger generation and protect the family and children."
