Putin gives Patriarch Kirill painting featuring Kremlin's main Orthodox church
MOSCOW. Nov 20 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has personally congratulated Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on his birthday and given him a painting called "Kremlin Assumption Cathedral."
The patriarch turned 71 on Monday.
During the meeting, which took place in the Kremlin, Putin thanked Patriarch Kirill for his service and wished him "all the best and good health." "Less work," Putin said.
Patriarch Kirill thanked Putin "for the cooperation that is taking place in Russia between the state and the church and has one simple goal: to make people's lives better, to ensure that people live well, spiritually and physically, to ensure our country's prosperity, and to bring happiness to every family."
This cooperation is now intensifying and said he hopes that many people view it positively, Patriarch Kirill said.
"Thank you for what you are doing for the country, for our people," Putin said while giving the gift to Patriarch Kirill.
The painting was done in 2007 by Vladimir Lapovok.
The picture features the interior of the Assumption Cathedral, the main Orthodox church of the Kremlin and All Russia, one of the key monuments of old Russian architecture.