His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' presented the Order of Glory and Honor, First Class — one of the Russian Orthodox Church’s highest distinctions — to Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of Tatarstan. The award ceremony took place today at the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Kazan.
The Patriarch praised the strong support for Orthodoxy in Tatarstan from regional authorities and the respectful attitude of the Muslim community. “This is a precious example of interaction and cooperation. It doesn’t stem from political expediency but from our traditions, our faiths, and the good example set by our ancestors. The example of Tatarstan is very important,” he said.
Minnikhanov expressed gratitude for the honor, saying he sees it as recognition of the achievements of all the people of Tatarstan. “We remember your participation in the meeting of the Group of Stratefic Vision 'Russia–Islamic World' and your words that the world can be saved by the cooperation of Orthodox Christianity and Islam. Today, those words sound like a slogan — and it’s true. In our republic, we see how people of all nationalities live in peace and harmony. This is in large part thanks to you, and we deeply value that,” Minnikhanov said.
The Order of Glory and Honor, First Class is one of the ROC’s rarest honors, awarded to heads of state and other prominent public figures for their contribution to interfaith cooperation, peace, and friendship among peoples.
Earlier in the day, Patriarch Kirill led a Divine Liturgy marking the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. Before the service, a traditional procession carried the revered icon through the historic center of Kazan.
Patriarch Kirill and Minnikhanov also laid flowers at the grave of Metropolitan Feofan behind the cathedral altar and inspected restoration work at the Kazan Bogoroditsky Monastery.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of tthe Rais RT
Based on materials of the Press Service of the Rais RT