Dmitry and Svetlana Medvedev presented Patriarch Kirill with the book "The Church Calendar and the Feasts of the Paschal Period with Images and Chants" published in 1909.

The patriarch thanked the prime minister for finding an opportunity to meet with him on a day when two holidays overlap. The prime minister responded the he is sure that it's no coincidence.

Dmitry Medvedev wished the patriarch physical and spiritual strength "so that you can succeed in your very demanding service to the Church and the Russian people".

"Of course, today is a special day for everybody – the day honouring our writing and our culture," the prime minister said. "We are pleased to mark these events together with you."