The head of the Russian Orthodox Church addressed Lukashenko

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia congratulated President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on the Day of the Baptism of Russia. The corresponding text is posted on the website of the Russian Orthodox Church.

"The adoption of Orthodoxy by our ancestors more than a thousand years ago determined the future fate of the Slavic countries. Thanks to the preaching of the holy brothers Methodius and Cyril, as well as the choice of faith of Equal—to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, Christian enlightenment of people, the emergence of writing and the development of art became possible," the message of greetings says.

Patriarch Kirill noted that their own identity was built on the foundation of the Orthodox tradition and a rich culture of fraternal peoples was formed.

"I am sincerely grateful to you for your attention to the ministry of the Belarusian Exarchate and your personal contribution to strengthening constructive church-state cooperation in the republic," he said.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church also expressed the hope that the existing cooperation will continue to bear abundant fruit in the establishment of spiritual and moral values in the life of society. The Patriarch also wished the Belarusian leader "health, mental strength, God's help and success in his presidential ministry."

Recall, the Day of the Baptism of Russia at the state level began to be celebrated in In 1888, in the year of the 900th anniversary of the baptism of the Russian Empire and on the memorial day of Prince Vladimir. In 2010 in Russia on July 28, the Day of the Baptism of Rus was established as a state memorable date.