Religion Roundup
Russian President, President-Elect Celebrate Orthodox Easter Together
Associated Press
April 28, 2008
MOSCOW - Orthodox Easter ceremonies have taken on deeply political undertones in Russia.
President Vladimir Putin and President-elect Dmitry Medvedev stood side-by-side at an Easter service led by Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II at Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral.
Putin is to become prime minister after ceding the presidency to Medvedev, his chosen successor, on May 7th. Both men have suggested they will rule in tandem.
Alexy said the church would pray for God to give them both strength and courage.
In an Easter message, Putin assured Alexy that "the state will continue to provide all possible support to the Church in its works aimed at the enlightenment and moral education of Russian citizens."
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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