In his Easter message, Putin pointed to the church's strengthening of harmony in society.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated all Orthodox Christians on Easter. The address of the head of state was published on April 20 on the Kremlin's website.

"During the Easter celebrations, I would like to note with deep satisfaction that today, as at all times, the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations play a great, inspiring role in strengthening social harmony and mutual understanding between people," the president said.

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