Putin came to Christ the Savior Cathedral to wish Patriarch Kirill a Merry Christmas

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at Christ the Savior Cathedral on the night of January 7 to congratulate Patriarch Kirill on Christmas.

In the published footage, the Russian leader can be seen shaking hands with the patriarch and talking to him.

An important holiday for Orthodox Christians - Christmas: traditions, strict prohibitions, omens

In 2025, the Orthodox celebration falls on Tuesday, January 7

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.

This night Putin met the feast of Christmas in the Church of St. George the Victorious in Moscow. The Russian leader annually attends church services on Christmas Day. Thus, since 2000, Putin has met Christmas four times in St. Petersburg, three times in the Tver region, and four times in Moscow.

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.