On President Vladimir Putin’s 70th birthday last month, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has praised his leadership as divinely orchestrated and has urged citizens to offer two days of prayer for his health. Kirill is the country’s leading Orthodox prelate. In a congratulatory note, Kirill praised Putin’s reputation as a national leader ‘selflessly devoted to the Fatherland, sincerely loving the Motherland and giving her all your strength, abilities and talents. The Lord placed you at the helm of power, so that you could perform a service of special importance and great responsibility for the fate of the country and the people entrusted to your care.’