Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne congratulates Barack Obama on his inauguration as President of the United States of America

Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad sent the 44^th President of the United States of America greeting with his inauguration. Full text of the message is given below.

Your Excellency, dear Mr. President,

I wholeheartedly greet You with Your election and inauguration as President of the United States of America.

The American people link their hopes for peaceful and creative development of the country, for overcoming the hard economic crisis and strengthening of friendship and cooperation in international relations with Your future activity.

We live in the difficult time of political and economic contradictions and numerous threats to peace and security. The system of international relations is undergoing fundamental and dynamic changes that deeply affect the interests of all countries and all individuals. There appear new challenges and threats that are cross-border by their nature. Under the circumstances, state and public figures are exclusively responsible for the fortunes of the world. The Russian Orthodox Church sees the solution of these problems in the commitment to dialogue among cultures and civilizations, and adherence to moral values in private, social and international life.

A considerable part of the Americans adheres to the Russian Orthodox tradition or comprises the flock of the Russian Orthodox Church. Together with representatives of other religious communities they are bringing a worthy contribution to the development of the country and consolidation of its scientific and cultural relations. I express my hope for the new Administration’s attention to their spiritual needs.

I believe that the spirit of confidence and mutual understanding will shape our relations as well as the relations between the United States of America and the countries for the people of which the Russian Orthodox Church takes spiritual care.

With deepest respect,

+Kirill

Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad

Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne