Today, the second procession took place, and I once again walked the route alongside His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, as well as the capital’s residents and visitors.
For me, as an Orthodox Christian, it is a great honor to stand beside those who sincerely ask God for help for our Motherland. Together, we prayed for Russia, for the President, for our soldiers, and for a speedy victory.
I am confident that this tradition will endure, grow stronger, and bring together ever-increasing numbers of people for centuries to come. The city-wide religious procession will go down in history as one of the most significant traditions established by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.
The modern history of our Church is inextricably linked to his name. As the ruling hierarch of the Moscow Metropolis, he has revived over two hundred parishes in the capital—parishes that had been lost during the godless twentieth century. The very organization of church life has also changed: the number of hierarchs has increased several-fold so that they might be closer to the people and to every family, even far beyond the capital.
In this religious procession, I see a reflection of the unity that sustains our God-protected Fatherland. Today, we are more united than ever. Regardless of party affiliation, age, faith, or region, we are bound together by our love for Russia and a shared responsibility for its future. Standing shoulder to shoulder, we can achieve so much more for our country.
I thank His Holiness the Patriarch for this Orthodox tradition that brings people closer together spiritually—and for the opportunity to walk this shared path in prayer, with faith in God and in our great Fatherland.
