The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, His Holiness Kirill, awarded to Andrea Riccardi, the Order of St. Sergius, one of the highest honors of the Orthodox Church, for the following reasons:

"Along with the highest appreciation for your scientific merits, I would stress that throughout your professional life and your public activities you have always been a Christian witness, placing the Good News of the Gospel at the center of  your life.

The Community of Sat'Egidio, that you founded, takes care of those who are marginalized in Italy and other countries of the world and teaches to many Catholic Christians to see Christ in all the suffering people. Even your personal contribution to interfaith dialogue is of great importance.

I particularly appreciate the mutual understanding and cooperation that have existed for many years between the Community of Sant'Egidio and the Russian Orthodox Church. It is gratifying to see that our fruitful cooperation is based on common adherence to the ideal of selfless service to God and neighbor. I think that is a model worthy of further developments for the Orthodox-Catholic dialogue.

In view of these merits, you are rightly awarded the Order of St. Sergius.

Cyril, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia "