OREANDA-NEWS. September 30, 2008. “Adherents of traditional Islam in our country have always observed this joyful festival widely and with special reverence – the message reads. It recalls eternal moral values such as justice, mercy and the need to care for close ones.

It is heartening that in the new, 21st century the spiritual life of millions of Russian Muslims is becoming richer and more diverse. And in this context your contribution to strengthening social cohesion and understanding between the peoples of our united multi-ethnic homeland is all the more important and meaningful.

I am confident that you will continue to preserve your traditions of faith and to promote fruitful inter-faith dialogue”.