‘God put you in power’, Putin told by Russian Orthodox leader on 70th birthday
- Fawning congratulations from subordinates and a plea from Patriarch Kirill to pray for the health of the longest serving leader of Russia since Joseph Stalin
- Putin faces the biggest challenge of his rule after the invasion of Ukraine triggered the gravest confrontation with the West since 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill said on Friday that Vladimir Putin’s reign over Russia had been mandated by God, congratulating the Kremlin chief on his 70th birthday.
“God put you in power so that you could perform a service of special importance and of great responsibility for the fate of the country and the people entrusted to your care,” the patriarch said, joining a chorus of Russian officials congratulating Putin.
The patriarch praised Putin for “transforming the image of Russia, strengthening its sovereignty and its defence capability, protecting its national interests”.
Kirill wished “health and a long life” to the Russian president who has been in power for more than 20 years.
He also called on worshippers across the country to pray for Putin’s health.
“You gained the reputation of a national leader selflessly devoted to the Fatherland, sincerely loving the Motherland and giving all its strength to it,” the patriarch said.
