President Vladimir Voronin pledged to strengthen the influence of the Orthodox faith in Moldova during a visit by Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Aleksii II. During his stay in Chisinau, Aleksii awarded Voronin with the First Degree Order of Blessed Prince Dmitrii Donskoii, invoking Voronin's "efforts to restore sacred places that had been destroyed in the past." Aleksii also said the Russian Orthodox Church is prepared to "facilitate reconciliation" between Moldova and the breakaway Transdniester region. Voronin awarded Aleksii with Moldova's highest honor, the Order of the Republic, in "recognition of your outstanding service in promoting the values of human unity, solidarity and tolerance."
