‘God has put you in power’: Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill congratulated Vladimir Putin on Friday on his 70th birthday, which has seen a barrage of praise despite Russia’s international isolation and setbacks in Ukraine.
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In his message, Kirill praised the Russian president for “changing Russia’s image, strengthening its sovereignty and defense capabilities, and defending national interests.”
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The 75-year-old patriarch affirmed: “God has placed you in power to carry out a mission of special importance and great responsibility for the fate of the homeland and its people entrusted to you.”
He also wished Vladimir Putin, in power for more than 22 years, “physical and moral strength for many years” and called for prayers for his health throughout Russia.
“She has earned the reputation of a patriot loyal to his country, who sincerely loves her and gives her all his strength,” said Kirill.
He concluded his speech by saying: “May your strength not run out, and may God be great in you.”
Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church since 2009, put his church in the service of Vladimir Putin’s authority and already in 2012 called it a “miracle”.
Both men share dominant conservative ambitions for Russia, and the Russian religious leader supports an attack on Ukraine.
They particularly agree with the idea of the moral decadence of a West in decline, in particular due to tolerance regarding gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people. Just last week, Mr. Putin denounced the emergence of a “devil worship”.
Other Russian officials were quick to congratulate the Russian president on Friday.
The Chechen Kadyrov posted a message on Telegram in which he congratulated the “leader of the whole people” and “one of the most influential and outstanding personalities of modern times.”
The speaker of the lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, published a painted portrait of the Russian president declaring, “If there is Putin, there is Russia.”
