His Holiness Patriarch Kirill holds prayer service ahead of Russia-US Presidents' meeting in Alaska

DECR Communication service, 15.08.2025. 

On August 15, 2025, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' held a Moleben (a prayer service) "for the successful beginning of any good endeavor" in the house church of the Patriarchal Residence in Chisty Pereulok, Moscow, dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir. The service was held on the eve of the meeting between the President of Russia, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, and the President of the United States, Donald Trump, in Alaska.

As reported by the Patriarchal Press Service, in his address before the service, the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church emphasized the historical significance of the upcoming meeting. His Holiness said, in particular:

"Let us offer a sincere prayer to the Lord that He may extend His mercy, that He may assist the interaction between the leaders of the two most powerful states on the planet, so that as a result of this meeting, the threat of armed conflict may be completely overcome, and that relations between the peoples of Russia and the United States of America may develop comprehensively. And may the Lord help our leaders and all those participating in these negotiations to achieve this important, I would say, great goal – a fundamental change in relations between the two great nuclear powers and the establishment of a new type of relationship aimed at ensuring the well-being and peace on our planet. Let us pray."

The following petitions were raised:

"Again we pray for the President of our country, Russia, Vladimir Vladimirovich, that the Lord may grant unto him strength and wisdom from above for governance and justice; to rule our land well, and to establish therein peace and prosperity. Let us all say: Lord, hear us and have mercy.

Again we pray for our God-protected country, its authorities, and its armed forces; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all piety and purity.

Look down, O Lover of Mankind, with Thine all-merciful eye upon Thy servants who are to participate in the upcoming meeting in Alaska; and hearken unto the prayers of us all. Bless their good intentions and endeavors, and grant that they may begin well and bring them to a successful conclusion without hindrance, unto Thy glory and the glory of our God-protected Fatherland. As we pray unto Thee, the Almighty King, hearken and have mercy.

Assign, O Lord, Thine holy guardian angel unto this endeavor, to banish all obstacles from visible and invisible enemies; and grant help in all things for the successful completion of this work. We pray unto Thee, O most merciful Savior: hearken and have mercy.

O Lord, Who hast commanded us to do all things to Thy glory, do Thou with Thy blessing grant abundant success unto all who shall take part in the upcoming meeting and begin this endeavor; and bring it to its completion, granting them health and prosperity. We pray unto Thee, O all-bountiful Creator: hearken and have mercy."

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill read the prayer:

"O Lord Jesus Christ our God, faith fills our hearts, and our souls humbly stand open before Thee. We earnestly pray unto Thee, for Thou hast said: Without Me ye can do nothing (John 15:5). Grant Thy gracious power, and strengthen the President of our country, Russia, Vladimir Vladimirovich, and all who shall take part in the upcoming meeting. Assign unto them a holy Guardian Angel, to preserve them from every evil circumstance and from all the assaults of visible and invisible enemies. Strengthen and enlighten them in all their labors and undertakings to come; for Thou, the Mighty God, canst accomplish whatsoever Thou dost will. May this meeting serve to build peace throughout the world and to bring an end to internal strife. Strengthen in our hearts the faith in Thy help for every good work. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have set our hope on Thee. For Thou art our God, the God who is merciful and gracious, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

The First Hierarch of the Russian Church also offered a prayer to St. Herman of Alaska.

At the conclusion, "Mnogoletie" (Many Years!) was proclaimed to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Rus'; to the God-protected country of Russia, to its President Vladimir Putin, to its authorities, armed forces, and people; to all those participating in the forthcoming meeting in Alaska and laboring for the glory of the God-protected Fatherland.

Praying at the service were His Holiness's personal secretary, Bishop Alexy of Ramenskoye; the warden of the Patriarchal Residence, Hieromonk Aristokliy (Lisitsyn); the Deputy Head of the Press Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', N.I. Derzhavin; and staff members of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Photos by the Press Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'.