Orthodox parishes are located in more than 100 countries. All churches in Russia were open that night, but due to the need to observe antiquity measures, the number of parishioners at the services was limited. The main liturgy was conducted by the Patriarch in Moscow – in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and Vladimir Putin visited a small church in Novo-Ogarevo near Moscow.
All lamps and candles are lit in the white and gold Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The Christmas service in the main cathedral of the country is the central event of one of the most significant holidays of Orthodoxy. The service is headed by Patriarch Kirill.
Christmas was celebrated in mighty cathedrals, austere lofty temples, prayerful churches – such as the Church of the Savior Image Not Made by Hands, located on the territory of the Moscow Region residence in Novo-Ogarevo. President Vladimir Putin celebrated a bright Christmas there.
The ancient villages of Ogorevo and Usovo by the 17th century actually merged into one – Spasskoye. So it was named after the wooden church of the Savior Not Made by Hands in 1627. Later, a stone church, consecrated under the same name, will be erected on the site of the temple. The historic temple, partially rebuilt, has survived to this day. And in Novo-Ogorevo now is the residence of the head of state. During the festive service, President Putin venerated the icon of the Nativity of Christ and put a candle in front of the venerated image.
Under the arches of the house church, where Vladimir Putin met a bright holiday, on this special night the troparion of the Nativity of Christ sounded, glorifying the miracle of the Savior’s coming into the world.
The main temple of the armed forces in the Patriot park near Moscow. It was erected with donations and illuminated in the year of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The Christmas service was attended by three deputy defense ministers and military personnel with their families.
On an important Christmas night, Patriarch Kirill addressed all believers living in the historical territory of the Russian Orthodox Church. Wishing an end to wars and internecine conflicts.
Some words of the Primate about the situation in Kazakhstan.
“We all know that on the territory of our once united, huge country, today the most difficult events are taking place, when people clashed in a grave civil conflict, when blood is really shed. And this is very close. This is on the territory of historical Russia. Therefore, we cannot be indifferent. to this shedding of blood, these clashes, this human disorder. And today, to the best of my ability, I prayed that the Lord bowed His mercy to the people of Kazakhstan, that this internecine warfare would stop, that peace would be established and we believe that by the grace of God this will happen ” – Patriarch Kirill addressed.
Bright Christmas is one of the most significant Orthodox holidays. He was greeted all over the country. In big cities and very small villages. Celebrating the coming of Christ into human history and into every heart
The joyful news of the birth of Christ, along with the bell ringing, seemed to float across the country from temple to temple.
From the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean, the mighty cities of the Russian Far East – to the shores of the Black Sea. Sacred Chersonesos in Sevastopol. Where Prince Vladimir was once baptized and where in the cathedral named after him that night they also rejoiced at the birth of the Divine Infant.
And so the holiday was celebrated in Irkutsk. The city on the great Angara. At that moment, three thousand kilometers away on another river Miass, where the labor Chelyabinsk was located, they were just beginning to celebrate Christmas.
A special festive atmosphere reigned in the Christmas miracle park in the city of Shuya, Ivanovo region. The Spassky Church in the center of the city was lit up with a thousand lights. And the sounds of music.
Guests arrive in Shuya from Ivanovo by retro train. And then I can take part in fairs. But Christmas is not just one night’s celebration. And not only festivities. First of all, spiritual rebirth. A special structure of the soul that unites people throughout the country.
The holiday of Christmas ends the long fast. And Christmas begins – a joyful period before the Epiphany. These special days are a symbol of love and hope that the bright holiday of Christmas embodies.
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