OREANDA-NEWS. April 25, 2011. Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on Easter Sunday.

The message reads, in part:

"A major Christian holiday symbolising the triumph of life and moral renewal, Easter is widely celebrated in our country and brings together millions of Orthodox believers throughout the world.

Thanks to your responsible guidance, today a growing number of Russian citizens' are returning to our spiritual origins, our historical and cultural traditions. Cooperation is developing between the government authorities and Russian Orthodox Church in addressing topical issues such as the moral education of our young people, harmonising interethnic and interfaith relations, and strengthening the institution of the family. I am confident that such fruitful collaboration will continue to develop in the future.

I share your joy on the occasion of this holiday, and wish you good health, spiritual strength, and success in all your undertakings. Peace and prosperity to the entire Russian Orthodox Church."