On May 24, 2026, President Vladimir Putin congratulated Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on his Name Day, according to a statement published on the Kremlin's official website. The Name Day, also known as the day of the saint after whom the Patriarch is named, is a significant religious observance in the Russian Orthodox Church.
The President's message highlighted the Patriarch's role in guiding the Russian Orthodox Church and his contributions to spiritual and moral development in Russia. Putin praised Kirill's efforts in strengthening traditional values and fostering unity among believers.
Patriarch Kirill, born Vladimir Gundyayev, has served as the head of the Russian Orthodox Church since 2009. His Name Day falls on May 24, the feast day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are revered as the apostles to the Slavs and creators of the Cyrillic alphabet.
The congratulatory message is part of ongoing interactions between the Russian state and the Orthodox Church, which maintains a close relationship under Putin's leadership. No further details about the event or any accompanying celebrations were provided in the official statement.
