On June 20, 2024, at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence in the Danilov Monastery in Moscow, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met with the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko.
Holy Patriarch Kirill presented V.I. Matvienko with an award for her contribution to the development of church-state relations.
In recognition of her contribution to the development of church-state relations, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill presented Valentina Matvienko with the Order of Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, First Class.
Holy Patriarch Kirill presented her with the Order of Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, First Class.
«Your Holiness, I thank you sincerely for the high honor bestowed upon me, — said after presenting the award to V.I. Matvienko. — I also sincerely thank you for everything that you do»
.
«Thank you once again, Valentina Ivanovna, for the many works that you have been doing for the benefit of the Fatherland for many years, — replied the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. — You and I have known each other for a very long time, and our cooperation has taken place in different political conditions, at different stages of the development of our country. I must testify that it has always been very sincere, trusting and unanimous. In your person I have always seen a like-minded person, a person who has shared with me both joys and sorrows in connection with the events that took place in our country. events in the country. And even if there were some discussions, we always reached a common understanding of what both representatives of the authorities and representatives of the Church should do at this moment, so that the difficulties in the life of the people could be overcome and the state could be strengthened. This is such a wonderful experience. I keep it in my mind, in my memory, in my heart, and that is why I thank you heartily once again.
«I promise you that I will continue to do everything to help people, to make our Fatherland prosper, — said V.I. Matvienko. We are going through difficult times now, and your spiritual support is very important. You always address the flock with your clear and distinct position, guide people, inspire them, give them hope and faith. And I want to thank you for your spiritual support. I am thankful to God that for many years I have had great happiness and pleasure to communicate with you, and every communication is of great importance for me. I feel this spiritual support in everything and I always try not to let you down, to justify your trust, to do social service together, to solve together the issues that concern people, and in this the role of our Orthodox Church is huge.
«Over the years of your patriarchal ministry, so much has been done in the country, not to mention the number of of temples that were built with your blessing. First of all, the attitude of people has changed — how many people go to church, how many people have returned to faith! It is a difficult way, a difficult process, but You managed to bring Your word to people. We know that the Church is separate from the state, but the fact that we have such interaction between the state and the Church, such cooperation, — I like the word that you often say, — gives a huge result, — emphasized the Speaker of the Federation Council.
Press service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia
