Russian President Dmitry Medvedev expressed his condolences for the death of Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Pavle, saying that his achievements were an example of a noble and self-sacrificing service to the Church and his country, as well as of care for the needs and interest of his people.

The telegram of condolences was sent to President Tadic and it states that Patriarch Pavle's time at the head of the Serbian Church coincided with the most difficult trials that his people had to go through, adding that the Church has given them moral support and a source of spiritual power, so badly needed for a creative development of their society and strengthening of the country.

Medvedev also sent a condolence telegram to the acting head of the Serbian Church Metropolitan Amfilohije, which states that the long and arduous life of the late patriarch was closely connected with the fate of his congregation.