Unity is stronger than any differences.
National Unity Day is a celebration of the shared history, faith, strength and ability to unite for the future of our country.
On this day I prayed in the Kazan Icon Church of the Mother of God in the St. Petersburg courtyard of the monastery and the people. In 1612, during one of the most difficult periods in Russian history, the people's militia led by Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky set out to liberate Moscow. He was joined by Kazan militiamen who brought a copy of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. The soldiers prayed in front of this image, asking for God's help and intercession.
This story contains the main meaning of National Unity Day. People from different classes, nationalities and destinies managed to unite around a common faith, common responsibility and love for the motherland.
Unity does not mean we all have to be the same. This means that despite differences in origin, culture and traditions, we are united by common values, a common history and a common country.
Happy National Unity Day! I wish everyone peace, prosperity, strength of spirit and confidence that together we can overcome any challenge.