OREANDA-NEWS. April 15, 2008. The Patriarch informed the President that he will head the Russian Orthodox Church’s delegation to Ukraine to take part in celebrating the 1020th anniversary of the baptism of Rus.

Noting that Russia and Ukraine are making progress on their agenda in the economy and in other areas, Mr Putin said that the state will do all it can to support bringing the two countries closer together through church relations too. 

The President thanked Alexii II for his invitation to celebrate Easter at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow.

Beginning of Meeting with Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexii II.