His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent the following message of greetings to Barack Obama on the occasion of his re-election as President of the United States of America. The text of the message is given below.
Your Excellency, dear Mr. President:
Please accept my heartfelt greetings with your re-election as President of the United States of America.
The choice made by the people of the USA testifies to the confidence of compatriots in your policy. This places on you a special responsibility for the destiny of the millions of people who have linked their hopes for better life with you.
I am confident that during your next presidential term the relations between peoples of our countries will develop and be strengthened.
It is gratifying to know that the Russian Orthodox Church, which presence in America numbers over two hundred years, enjoys due respect in the United States. I hope for attention of the authorities of your country to the needs of our faithful.
I wish you spiritual and physical strength, God’s help and success in your work at the highest governmental post, and peace, wellbeing and prosperity to the American people.
Yours truly,
+Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia