Putin tells Serbian Patriarch he expects Vucic to attend May 9 parade in Moscow

During a meeting at the Kremlin with Patriarch Porfirije and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Putin said Russia is aware of the difficult situation in the Balkans.

“We are aware that the situation in the Balkans is not easy. And we recognize your efforts to strengthen Serbia’s position,” Putin told the Serbian Patriarch in Serbian, reported Russia’s RIA Novosti.

He also highlighted the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in fostering ties between the two nations.

As a gift, Patriarch Porfirije presented Putin with a traditional Easter egg bearing the Serbian inscription “Christ is Risen.”

President Putin also extended Easter greetings to the Serbian Patriarch. “Let me congratulate you on the Bright Easter holiday. This is our common bright holiday,” he said at the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Patriarch Porfirije and his delegation from the Serbian Orthodox Church met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

Patriarch Porfirije arrived in Moscow on Monday evening and will remain there during Bright Week. As part of the visit, the Moscow Theological Academy will award him an honorary doctorate in theology.