Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin during a Christmas service. Photo: Mikhail Klimentyev / Press Service of the President of the Russian Federation / TASS
For the third time, Vladimir Vladimirovich celebrated Christmas in the capital’s church. This year, the president attended a service at the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin. He was received by the dean of the churches of the Klin district of the diocese of Sergiev Posad, Hieromonk Joseph.
The Russian leader has not been in the capital for Christmas for a long time. The last time was over 20 years ago! In 2000, still in the status of interim president, he attended a service at the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Sparrow Hills. In 2001 – in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Last Christmas, the head of the country met in the residence house church in Novo-Ogaryovo in the Moscow region. Covid was still raging and for safety he didn’t go far for the holidays.
“This bright and beloved holiday inspires people to good deeds and aspirations, serves to affirm in society such enduring spiritual values and moral guidelines as mercy, compassion, kindness and justice,” Putin congratulated the Russians in Christmas this morning.
Vladimir Putin at the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin during a Christmas service to mark the Nativity of Christ. Photo: Mikhail Klimentyev / Press Service of the President of the Russian Federation / TASS
– I will note with deep satisfaction the enormous creative contribution that the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations in Russia are making to the unity of society, the preservation of our historical memory, the education of young people and the strengthening of the institution of the family. Church organizations give priority to maintaining inter-ethnic and inter-religious peace and harmony in our country, taking care of those who need help, supporting our soldiers who are participating in a special military operation. Such a grandiose, multifaceted and truly ascetic work deserves the most sincere respect, ”he added.
At the end, the President wished all those celebrating Christmas “success and all the best.”
