Interfax: Medvedev greets Patriarch Kirill on Christmas, thanks for spiritual patronage

Moscow, January 7, Interfax – Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has greeted Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on Christmas, the government website reported on Tuesday.

“This holiday presents the light of faith, the warmth of love and the happiness of hope. It consolidates the moral foundations of our society helping people to learn Christian values of kindness, mercy and mutual respect,” the message says.

“A great role in this belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church, to your efforts, Your Holiness. Your selfless mission, your tireless call to follow Christian commandments and enormous personal contribution to the spiritual revival of the county deserve deep respect,” the premier said.

“I wish you good health, spiritual power and new successes in your responsible primatial service to the Fatherland, our people and the Russian Orthodox Church. I am sincerely grateful to you for your attention and spiritual patronage and guidance. My wife joins my greetings,” the message says.

[featured image is file photo]