Putin wished Russians a Merry Christmas
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Orthodox Christians on Christmas. The text of the congratulations was published on the Kremlin's official website on Tuesday, January 7.
"I congratulate you on Christmas Day. This bright, long-awaited holiday is dear to millions of people around the world. It gives believers joy and hope, inspires good thoughts, deeds and actions. On Christmas days, we clearly feel with all our hearts how important for us are fatherly, family traditions passed down from generation to generation," the statement said.
Putin emphasized that the Orthodox faith, as well as other religions, representatives of which live on the territory of the Russian Federation, play a great role in strengthening the institution of the family, as well as in the education of the younger generation. Also, according to the Russian leader, the Russian Orthodox Church and other religious denominations unite the people, as well as preserve our historical memory, culture and spiritual heritage.
"I wish Orthodox Christians, all citizens of Russia celebrating Christmas, health and well-being," he concluded.
On the night of January 7, the Christmas patriarchal service beganin the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Izvestia is broadcasting the event live. The service is conducted by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.
Christmas is an important holiday for Christians of all denominations, because it marks the beginning of Christ's earthly life. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates it on January 7, while the Western Church and a number of local Orthodox churches celebrate it on December 25. Discrepancies in dates arise because the Orthodox use the Julian ("old style") calendar, while Catholics and Protestants use the Gregorian system.
