January 21 a solemn awarding ceremony of the Orthodox People's Unity International Foundation for "Outstanding activities for consolidation of unity of orthodox nations" took place in Moscow, reports the Moscow Patriarchy press office. The awarding ceremony was lead by Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexi II. This year the awards were handed to

-Armenian President Robert Kocharian for the contribution to the development of the church-state relations;

-UN 6th Secretary General Butros-Butros-Gali for prominent personal contribution to the promotion of Christian spiritual values;

-Gazprom Russian company for assistance in renaissance of the Russian Orthodox Church and other churches throughout the globe.

The Armenian President is awarded as a consistent and active adherent to extension of Christian influence within the modern society.