Putin awarded with one of the highest honors of the church

Russia's Orthodox leader and staunch Kremlin ally Patriarch Kirill awards Russian President Vladimir Putin the Order of Prince Alexander Nevsky, one of the highest honours of the Russian Orthodox Church. Vladimir Putin maintains close ties with the Russian Orthodox Church .The Order of Alexander Nevsky was established in 1942.

It is awarded to civil servants who have distinguished themselves by special merits in state building, many years of conscientious service and high results. Presidents of Belarus and Tajikistan Alexander Lukashenko and Emomali Rakhmon, Serbian leader Aleksandr Vucic and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have received this order.