Russian Orthodox leader tells Putin on 70th birthday: 'God put you in power'

Russian Orthodox leader tells Putin on 70th birthday: 'God put you in power'
October 7, 2022, 1:16 pm

Current head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill - Twitter account

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill said Friday (Oct 7) that Vladimir Putin's reign over Russia had been mandated by God, congratulating the Kremlin chief on his 70th birthday, the AFP reported, the Anews said.

"God put you in power so that you could perform a service of special importance and of great responsibility for the fate of the country and the people entrusted to your care," the patriarch said, joining a chorus of Russian officials congratulating Putin.

The patriarch praised Putin for "transforming the image of Russia, strengthening its sovereignty and its defence capability, protecting its national interests."

Kirill wished "health and a long life" to the Russian president who has been in power for more than 20 years.

He also called on worshippers across the country to pray for Putin's health.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill said Friday (Oct 7) that Vladimir Putin's reign over Russia had been mandated by God, congratulating the Kremlin chief on his 70th birthday - Photo. Facebook

The patriarch said: "You gained the reputation of a national leader selflessly devoted to the Fatherland, sincerely loving the Motherland and giving all its strength to it."

Russian Patriarch Kirill says Orthodox church and faithful are holding back the antichrist

Kirill also wished him "unrelenting strength and God's abundant assistance".

The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church since 2009, Kirill has been a vocal supporter of the military operation in Ukraine.

He has close ties with Putin's government, backing conversative values over Western liberalism.

Source: anews

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