Raul welcomed the head of the Russian Orthodox Church accompanied by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, and the President of the People´s Power Assembly, Esteban Lazo.

Kirill delivered a brief speech on the tarmac of the Jose Marti International Airport, when he said his visit was in response to an invitation by the Cuban president.

He added that the Russian and Cuban people have been united for years of cooperation and friendship, and wished the Cuban people joy and prosperity.

The Patriarch will stay in Cuba till next Sunday, and will have an extensive working agenda that includes visits to historical places, a liturgy at the Havana’s Russian Orthodox Church, and will be bestowed the highest Cuban decoration, the Jose Marti Order.

Fuente: ACN

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