The message reads, in part:

“2012 has been named the Year of Russian History and this is one of the year’s deeply significant major events. Today, it is important not only to remember the landmark dates in our history, but also to pay particular attention to giving our youth a proper sense of patriotism and promoting mercy and tolerance among the younger generations.

The Orthodox Russia Exhibition and Forum serves to achieve these goals and is also a key example of the effective cooperation of the state, society and the Russian Orthodox Church.”