Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has extended birthday wishes to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, acknowledging his contribution to fostering equal interfaith dialogue.

"In these challenging times, millions of believers keenly need the wise words, prayers, and paternal assistance of their patriarch to strengthen their faith and stay on the true path," quoted TASS, the congratulatory message from the Belarusian president.

Lukashenko highlighted that the patriarch fully provides them with the spiritual nourishment essential for life today: opening new parishes, defending ancient Christian traditions, safeguarding the aspirations of peoples for goodness and justice, and supporting "equal interfaith and interreligious dialogue."

The head of state expressed confidence that Orthodoxy and shared moral values, which the patriarchate steadfastly upholds, will continue to unite the fraternal peoples of Belarus and Russia.

Patriarch Kirill, born Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyaev on November 20, 1946, in Leningrad to a clergyman's family, entered monastic life in 1969, taking the name Kirill. He graduated with honors from the Leningrad Theological Academy and was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan in 1991.

On an emergency session of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on December 6, 2008, following the death of Patriarch Alexy II on December 5, Metropolitan Kirill was elected locum tenens of the patriarchal throne. On January 27, 2009, the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church elected Metropolitan Kirill as the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. His enthronement took place on February 1 in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.