Patriarch Kirill sent congratulations to Lukashenko and Putin on the Day of the Baptism of Rus

“The adoption of Christianity by the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir became a turning point in the history of the Eastern Slavs. This greatest deed united the once disparate tribes, created a common spiritual and cultural space for them, and laid a solid foundation for the development of statehood. Now, honoring the feat of the Kyiv Prince, we offer special gratitude to the Lord for the gift of faith, which to this day sanctifies the lives of our fraternal peoples,” the Patriarch’s congratulations to the Belarusian leader read.

"More than a thousand years ago, the Holy Prince Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles, made a choice that determined for centuries the path of spiritual and cultural development of the Slavic peoples, united henceforth by the Christian faith," the head of the Russian Orthodox Church noted in his congratulatory address to the Russian leader. He thanked Vladimir Putin for his continued attention to the service of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as for his firm position in protecting traditional values.

Patriarch Kirill wished the Presidents of Belarus and Russia health and well-being, generous help from God, and blessed success in their high and responsible service.