'God put you in power': Russian Orthodox leader tells Putin

'God put you in power': Russian Orthodox leader tells PutinIn this file photo taken early on May 1, 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Russian Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill attend Orthodox Easter celebrations at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow. (Photo: AFP)The head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill said Friday that Vladimir Putin's reign over Russia had been mandated by God, congratulating the Kremlin chief on his 70th birthday. The patriarch praised Putin for "transforming the image of Russia, strengthening its sovereignty and its defence capability, protecting its national interests." Kirill wished "health and a long life" to the Russian president who has been in power for more than 20 years. The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church since 2009, Kirill has been a vocal supporter of the military operation in Ukraine.