Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin awarded the Serbian Orthodox Church’s highest distinction

His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch handed Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation last night in the St. Sava Memorial Cathedral on Vrachar the St. Sava Order of the First Degree.

This solemn act was attended by: Mr. Mirko Cvetkovic, President of the Government of the Republic of Serbia; His Grace Bishop Dr Irinej of Backa, member of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the SOC; Their Graces Bishops - Georgije of Canada, Atanasije of Hvosno and Porfirije of Jegar; Mr. Alexandar Konuzin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation; Crown Prince Alexander Karageorgevich; protopresbyter-staurophor Vitaly Tarasyev, head of the Podvorye of the Russian Orthodox Church in Belgrade; as well as Mr. Vojislav Milovanovic, proto builder of the St. Sava Cathedral on Vrachar.  

Five years ago on the suggestion of the Patriarch Pavle of blessed repose, the Holy Synod of Bishops awarded Putin the highest distinction of the Serbian Orthodox Church for his active love towards the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbian people, particularly shown in a brave and persistent protection of the faithful people, churches, monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as the preservation of the integrity of the Republic of Serbia. 

Yesterday's one-day visit of the Russian Prime Minister to our country was an opportunity that Serbian Patriarch personally hand him this highest distinction of our Holy Church.