The president for life of Turkmenistan, who has already had a month renamed after him and another for his late mother, was hailed as a prophet of God by his ministers yesterday to mark his 63rd birthday.
In the past week government officials have been searching for fresh honours to heap on Saparmurat Niyazov, who prefers to be known as Turkmenbashi, or Father of the Turkmens.
State-controlled newspapers have been printing letters of congratulation and syrupy articles about the president as his birthday, a national holiday, approached.
One government official wrote to Mr Niyazov, saying: "God awards such strength, such greatness, such fate only to those he favours, sincerely loves and considers God's messenger."
Not to be outdone, the interior minister said yesterday the Turkmenbashi "is a great personality who possesses the gift of a prophet".
Most Turkmens are Muslims, who believe Mohammed is the last prophet, and Mr Niyazov's elevation could see him condemned by Islamic clerics as a heretic.
The capital, Ashgabat, was buried in a sea of green yesterday as national flags were added to the hundreds of portraits of Mr Niyazov that already bedeck the city.