President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, awarded state distinctions to prominent figures from the Russian Federation and abroad. Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau and all Moldova was among the persons awarded state distinction.
Over 30 distinguished persons from areas including education, health, sport, space navigation, science, arts, industry, and agriculture, were invited to Kremlin on Thursday, 23 May 2019, to participate in the award ceremony at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.
Metropolitan Vladimir was distinguished with the Order of Friendship. The first hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Moldova mentioned in the award speech:
“Your Excellence, most honourable president of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin!
Please allow me to thank you for the high state distinction of the Russian Federation, offered to me upon the 45th anniversary of my priesthood service, I could say, at international scale, for I started ministry in Russia and Ukraine, and continue my service for over 30 years in the Moldova. I will do my best to continue serving the Holy Orthodox Church and the right-faithful people with devotion. Thank you respectfully!”
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations.