Lukashenko sends birthday greetings to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia

“You devoted your entire life to selflessly serving God, people and your country. You have a special responsibility as the head of the Russian Orthodox Church as the whole world is going through difficult trials, and millions of believers are in dire need of the wise guidance, prayers and fatherly help of their Patriarch to keep their faith strong and not to stray from the true path,” the message of congratulations reads.

“You fully give them the much-needed spiritual food: you open new parishes and exarchates, defend the long-standing traditions of Christianity, support people's aspirations for goodness and justice, promote equal interfaith dialogue,” the Belarusian leader remarked.

The head of state expressed confidence that Orthodoxy and common moral values, firmly guarded by the Moscow Patriarchate, will continue to unite the fraternal peoples of Belarus and Russia.

Aleksandr Lukashenko wished Patriarch Kirill lasting health, inexhaustible spiritual strength and new successes in his noble service.