His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus congratulates
President V.V. Putin of Russia on his Re-election

2/15 March 2004
“Reigning” Icon of the Mother of God

To His Excellency
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
President of Russia

Your Excellency
Deeply-Respected Vladimir Vladimirovich!

With great joy do I congratulate you on your re-election. At the present time, when the Holy Church makes its prostration before the Cross, I pray to the Savior that He strengthen you in bearing the burden of serving Russia to His glory and for the good of our Homeland. At this time, when we are commemorating the “Reigning” Icon of the Mother of God, I prayerfully beseech the Queen of Heaven with the hope that Her intercession will always accompany your efforts.

With love in the Lord,

+Laurus
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia