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Alexy II wishes Dmitry Medvedev success in shaping new Russia of the 3rd millennium

Moscow, March 4, Interfax - Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia congratulated Dmitry Medvedev on his election Russia's president.

"The elections have shown a high level of trust to the reforms executed by Russia's president Vladimir Putin with your active participation," the patriarchal greeting reads as its text was conveyed to Interfax-Religion.

"You have successfully worked for the welfare of Russia displaying fidelity to professional and civil imperative, high patriotism, adherence to the principle and honesty, high professionalism and great administrative experience," Alexy II said.

The Russian Church's primate confessed that when he got to know Medvedev, he became convinced that he sincerely cared "for worthy life of Russian people and multilateral revival of the Fatherland."

"You enjoy respect as a person with cool head and kind heart, as a politician capable to deal with problems of concrete people and to realize the highest moral responsibility for the results of his works," the text further reads.

The patriarch also noted that the new Russia's head would "bear the greatest responsibility for arranging effective power, searching worthy bases for management and economy relevant to current pressing needs."

"You will have to work hard to create a new image of Russia in the 3rd millennium and it will demand your patience, love, faith and courage," Alexy II said.

He hopes that "good relations between secular and religious authorities will further develop and strengthen."

The patriarch wished Medvedev peace, joy, good health and prosperity and conveyed his greetings to Svetlana Medvedeva.