Patriarch Kirill thanks Rustam Minnikhanov for arranging his visit to Tatarstan

On July 29, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill thanked Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov for arranging his visit to Kazan and assistance the regional leadership gives to Tatarstan metropolitanate.

"Dear Rustam Nurgalievich!

I express my sincere gratitude for the hospitality you extended to me and my party during my visit to Tatarstan.

I was glad to have this opportunity to meet with the leadership and citizens of the republic, shared a prayer with the clergy and flock of Tatarstan metropolitanate at the Cathedral of Our Lady Mother "Joy of all Who Sorrow" in the island-town of Sviyazhsk, held a service at the Annunciation Cathedral of the Kazan Kremlin, as well as lead the procession to the Kazan Virgin Monastery, and laid the foundation stone of the temple under reconstruction at the place where a wonders-working sacred image appeared.

The opening of the monument to a native of Tatarstan - the great Russian poet and famous politician Gavriil Derzhavin on the day of the 200th anniversary of his death was a significant event during the visit.

I would like to thank you for your overall assistance that you give to Tatarstan metropolitanate. The restoration of destroyed sacred places and realization of church-public projects and initiatives will undoubtedly contribute to the strengthening of traditional spiritual and moral values ​​of the family institution, creation of interethnic and inter-religious peace and civil harmony. I am confident that this co-working will continue to yield good fruit, contributing to the welfare of the people and the prosperity of our Motherland.

I wish you and the regional leadership strength and success in your work.

Sincerely yours, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill. "