Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on his birthday.
Putin presented the Patriarch with a painting by Vladimir Lapovok titled The Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral.
During the meeting, which took place in the Kremlin, Putin thanked Patriarch Kirill for his service and wished him "all the best and good health." "Less work," Putin said.
Patriarch Kirill thanked Putin "for the cooperation that is taking place in Russia between the state and the church and has one simple goal: to make people's lives better, to ensure that people live well, spiritually and physically, to ensure our country's prosperity, and to bring happiness to every family."
"This cooperation is now intensifying and said he hopes that many people view it positively," Interfax cited Patriarch Kirill as saying.
