President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin visited the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg on July 28, 2024, on the feast day of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir and the church and state holiday commemorating the Baptism of Russia. He was accompanied by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.
During the visit, President Putin, along with Patriarch Kirill, visited the upper church dedicated to Prince Alexander Nevsky within the Annunciation Church of the Lavra. Patriarch Kirill had earlier celebrated the Divine Liturgy in this church and offered special prayers for the health of President Putin, who celebrates his name day on July 28. The upper church also houses the relics of Prince Alexander Nevsky.
Patriarch Kirill awarded President Putin the Order of the Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky of the First Degree during the visit. In his address, Patriarch Kirill thanked President Putin for his efforts in reviving the spiritual life of Russia and creating favorable conditions for Orthodox people in the country.
President Putin expressed his gratitude for the high honor bestowed upon him by Patriarch Kirill. He emphasized the importance of the Russian Orthodox Church as a moral foundation for the Russian people and a basis for Russian statehood.
After the award ceremony, Patriarch Kirill and President Putin visited the lower church-tomb of the Annunciation Church, where they paid their respects at the grave of the great commander A.V. Suvorov.
Source: Moscow Patriarchate / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas