Russian President Vladimir Putin extended warm greetings to Patriarch Kirill on the 15th anniversary of his accession to the throne, meeting with him in person to discuss shared priorities. The Kremlin reported the encounter, underscoring the ongoing collaboration between the state and the church at the highest levels.
During their discussion, Kirill reflected on the past decade and a half, noting that relations between church and state have operated at a very high level. This cooperative dynamic, he explained, has enabled ambitious projects that once seemed beyond reach. He highlighted youth and family work as a central focus, describing programs that promote spiritual education and engagement with younger generations. Kirill stressed that such initiatives had been restricted for many years and are now actively expanding, signaling a significant shift in societal life and community outreach.
The Patriarch expressed gratitude for the government’s support of the Orthodox community and the church as an institution. This backing, he said, has been instrumental in sustaining religious activities and in fostering social welfare programs anchored in faith traditions.
Earlier in the day, Kirill had reiterated his prayers for continued leadership and stability in the country, articulating a wish that Putin’s efforts would progress for the good of the Russian Federation. The remarks were delivered during a World Russian People’s Council gathering, where the Patriarch outlined the broader aims of church leadership in national life.
In the lead up to the New Year, Putin offered congratulations to Patriarch Kirill on the festive season, extending wishes for happiness and peace. The exchanges reflect a pattern of formal, cordial communication between Russia’s executive authority and its top religious figure, aligned with longstanding traditions of state-church dialogue.