Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin took a "vacation day" on February 8 to meet as a presidential candidate with religious leaders at the Danilov Monastery in Moscow, where the head the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, characterized Putin's time in charge of Russia as a "miracle." - Radio Free Europe reported.
The patriarch told Putin religious leaders wanted to meet with him "as prime minister, but first of all as a candidate for president of our country, who has the best chance" to win the March election.
Kirill directly addressed Putin, saying the last 12 years were a "miracle" for the church and the Russian state. Putin was president from 2000 to 2008 and prime minister since then. Kirill wished Putin "God's help" and a long and happy life.
