The message reads:

Your Holiness,

Please accept my heartfelt Easter greetings.

This great Orthodox holiday is one of the most revered in Russia. It bears a great significance not only for believers but also for all those who treasure the centuries-old traditions of our nation, its diverse history and culture. Easter celebrations remind us of the need for self-improvement, mercy and love to our neighbours.

Today the Russian Orthodox Church is contributing to harmonising inter-faith relations while actively participating in the public life of the nation. The Church does a great deal for promoting moral values, the institution of the family, and patriotic upbringing of the young generation.

Your Holiness, while sharing the Easter joy with you, I wish you good health, spiritual vigour and success in your archpastoral service. Wishing peace and wellbeing to the whole of the Russian Orthodox Church.

My wife joins me in my greetings.

Dmitry Medvedev