Governor of the Saratov region Dmitri Ayatskov and Minister - Chairman of the Regional Committee on Public Relations Boris Shinchuk took part in celebrations dedicated to the 14th anniversary of enthronization of Holy Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Aleksi II, as well as in a festival on the occasion of 75th birth of His Holiness.

The celebrations took place on 11th June in the church council chamber of Christ the Saviour's Cathedral. All political and cultural elite of Russia were invited to the festive concert and reception of His Holiness.

The Saratov region Governor Dmitri Ayatskov was the second to congratulate the Patriarch, after the Mayor of Moscow Juri Luzhkov. As Boris Shinchuk said, there was a friendly talk between His Holiness and Dmitri Ayatskov. As a present Aleksi II received his portrait painted by Saratov artist Alfia Ponomarenko. The Holy Patriarch highly appreciated the artist's talent and gave her thanks and His Patriarch's blessing.

Talking to Dmitri Ayatskov, Aleksi II thanked him and the Government of the Saratov region for the activities in the field of strengthening Orthodoxy. In the hard times for Dmitri Ayatskov the Holy Patriarch gave him strong moral backing. He said he had always believed in Saratov Governor.

His Holiness blessed the conducting of the Congress of Orthodox Youth in Saratov planned for 28th June 2004. He also confirmed his resolution to visit the Saratov region.