His Holiness Patriarch Kirill congratulates President of Finland on his 65th birthday
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent a message of greeting to Mr. Sauli Väinämö Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, on the occasion of his 65th birthday. The text of the message is given below.
Your Excellency, Dear Mr. President,
Please, accept my cordial greetings on the occasion of the important date – your 65th birthday.
You have devoted a considerable part of your life to work as a public servant beginning from a member of a municipal council to the president of the country. Thanks to your manifold experience and professional qualities, you have gained a high authority among the Finnish public, thus gaining a convincing victory in the presidential elections in 2012.
The Russian Orthodox Church pays much attention to the development of relations with religious and public circles in Finland. We appreciate the Finnish authorities’ favourable attitude towards the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate’s parishes in your country. I hope that our cooperation will get stronger and develop for the benefit of our nations.
I wish you, dear Mr. President, physical and spiritual strength and blessed success in your work, and I wish peace and prosperity to the people of Finland.
Yours sincerely,
+KIRILL,
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA