Russian Orthodox Church primate sends a message of greetings to the 3d Cossack Council

The 3d Cossack Council is being held these days. His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia sent a message to the chairman of the Chieftain Council of the Cossack Troops, the text of this is published below.

Highly Esteemed Gennady Nikolaevich:
Dear Friend:

I cordially greet all the participants in the 3d Cossack Council who have gathered in the Church Councils Hall of the Church of Christ the Savior.

Throughout the existence of our Fatherland, the Cossacks have always stood guard of the peace and tranquility of the Russian people, drawing strength and courage from the spiritual depository of Orthodoxy.

The Russian Orthodox Church, aware of the importance of military service, has blessed her faithful sons to military feats and they did not spare their blood and life itself at battlefield.

It is my conviction that the Cossacks remain today guardians of the old traditions of military valor and safeguards of Russia and bearers of traditional Christian moral values.

I wish all to the participants in the assembly spiritual and physical strength, wisdom and help from God in their work for the benefit of the Motherland.

+Alexy
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia