Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, visited the Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral in Baku on August 19.

While informing the heads of state about the Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral, the Bishop of Baku and Azerbaijan, Aleksiy, said:

"Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, dear Ilham Heydarovich, I am pleased to welcome you to the Cathedral Church in Baku. It is a great honor for me. Moreover, today is the Feast of the Transfiguration.

This temple was restored and officially reopened in 2003 through the efforts of Azerbaijani patrons and the direct care of Heydar Aliyev. Many temples in Baku have been restored with funds from the Azerbaijani government. Therefore, on behalf of all Orthodox Christians in Azerbaijan, I would like to thank Ilham Heydarovich."

President Vladimir Putin: It is beautiful. Thank you for your support.

President Ilham Aliyev: We are glad that our Orthodox citizens feel at home here. This is a great asset for our state, as everyone lives like one united, friendly family. We celebrate Christian, Muslim, and Jewish holidays together. In this way, there is such unity here."