On July 18, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov sent greetings telegram to Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill on the occasion of 700th anniversary of Blessed Sergius of Radonezh.

“I sincerely congratulate you, Your Holiness, and the whole Russian Orthodox Church on such an important event – All-Russia celebration of 700th anniversary of Blessed Sergius of Radonezh. Russia changed due to hard work and prayers of this great saint, founder of Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. The life, high spirit, courage, kindness and love, humility and patience of Sergius of Radonezh facilitated unity and spiritual consolidation of the state. Today his selfless activity also serves as the guide for preservation of cultural and spiritual values, increase of spiritual traditions, the basis of peace and consent in our Motherland!
On this important anniversary day please receive wishes of physical and spiritual power in your tireless service to the Church and society!”