Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the Church’s “unifying” role for society and youth today on the occasion of Orthodox Easter, as Russian Patriarch Kirill has backed his attack on Ukraine.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude for your tireless and selfless work aimed at preserving historical, spiritual, moral and family values ​​and educating and enlightening young people,” Putin said in a message after taking part in the service in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.

“For many years, your prudent pastoral speech has helped unite society (…) Today, while we are facing serious challenges, it is especially important,” the Russian president added.

Easter is the most important Orthodox holiday in both Russia and Ukraine.

In the past, Russian Patriarch Kirill justified the attack on Ukraine by saying that the Russian and Ukrainian people are brothers who were separated by force, mainly by the West.

A view rejected by the Ukrainian government, which speaks of a post-colonial and imperialist conflict led by the Kremlin and has increased raids and persecutions targeting churches and priests perceived to be close to Moscow.

Ukrainian authorities also drew the ire of the Russian Church by announcing amid the conflict the expulsion of monks from the famous Lavra of the Caves monastery in Kiev, considered the “cradle” of Russian Orthodoxy.

Patriarch Kyrillos had denounced the expulsion of the monks in March.