Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh, First Deputy Patriarch and Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Executive Council and Most Venerable Thich Minh Chau, Deputy Patriarch of VBS, have been awarded the Ho Chi Minh Orders.

On behalf of Party and State leaders, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan presented the Orders to the VBS leaders at separate ceremonies held in Ho Chi Minh City on Dec. 28.

Addressing the functions, Deputy PM Nhan said the noble awards recognise the two Buddhist dignitaries’ contributions to leading the VBS in reaping outstanding achievements and taking part in patriotic emulation movements and Buddhist campaigns for peace.

On the occasion of New Year 2012, Deputy PM Nhan wished Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh and Most Venerable Thich Minh Chau good health and happiness. He also conveyed his best wishes to Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers both in and outside the country./.