Putin has declared mercy the spiritual foundation of Russia

The head of state recalled that the creation of a social protection system at the state level began exactly 320 years ago - by the decision of Peter I. “At the same time, of course, the very values of mercy, love for one's neighbor, support for those in need bind, cement the entire centuries-old history of our people, constitute the spiritual basis of the traditional religions of Russia”, - he added.

According to the president, for people of various classes, the meaning of life was to help those in need. Today, these moral principles "are embodied in the work of social service workers, volunteers, representatives of the non-profit sector, charities and religious associations". Putin thanked all of them for their "cordiality, responsiveness and generosity", - according to the Kremlin's website.

The President expressed special gratitude to social workers for their work during the coronavirus pandemic. He also noted that the state, for its part, provided the necessary support. In particular, last year the volume of financing of social projects through the Presidential Grants Fund was doubled - up to five billion rubles.

It's worth reminding that the Day of the Social Worker was established by the decree of the President of Russia dated October 27, 2000. On June 8, 1701, Peter I issued a decree "On the determination of the poor, the sick and the elderly in the homes of the Holy Patriarchate". According to the document, "for ten sick people in the almshouse, there should be one healthy person who would go after those sick and provide any help for them".