Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) Patriarch Irinej presented Monday the Order of St. Sava 1st class, the top honor given by the SPC, to Russian Ambassador in Belgrade Alexander Konuzin, as a sign of gratitude for his support to the Serbian people.

The Patriarch said he is presenting the order in light of everything the Russian ambassador has done to protect the Serbian people, especially in Kosovo, both through statements "which have resonated outside Serbia as well" and through humanitarian work "where it was most needed."

"It is an honor to express today on behalf of the Church what the SPC has for centuries felt for our brotherly people of Russia, the leaders of Slavs," the Patriarch said.

I see this award as confirmation of our common understanding of a high level of wide-ranging relations of Russia and Serbia, two sister Orthodox churches, and brotherly peoples of our countries, Konuzin said, thanking the SPC for their appreciation of his work.

He pointed out Russia and Serbia have reached the highest level of cooperation in many different spheres and that the partner level of political dialogue affords them the opportunity to look to the future with confidence.

This is an election year in both countries. But there is a mutual understanding that bilateral relations will continue to strengthen, Konuzin said, noting Russia is interested in a stable, prosperous and independent Serbia, which will command great respect around the world.

Our relations are developing successfully in the areas of culture, education, science and technology, and in other spheres, said the Russian ambassador, noting, however, that there are some problems and expressing concern over information that Russian language instruction is losing ground in Serbian schools.

The ceremony at the Patriarchate was held in the presence of Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic, Deputy Prime Minister Jovan Krkobabic, Minister of Education Zarko Obradovic, Serbian Progressive Party leader Tomislav Nikovic, Democratic Party of Serbia leader Vojislav Kostunica, Serbian Radical Party deputy leader Dragan Todorovic and numerous church dignitaries.