Society and Church: Orthodox Russians celebrate Christmas

People of Russia are celebrating the Christmas Day: night divine services took place in thousands of Orthodox churches of the country. The divine service in the main cathedral of Russia – the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, which was conducted by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, attracted over 5 thousand believers. Together with the congregation the service at the overcrowded cathedral was attended by the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry A. Medvedev, who arrived with his wife by the beginning of the Divine Liturgy.

The Head of the Russian Orthodox Church congratulated the flock on the Great holiday of Christmas  and wished the worshippers “support of God in their private and family life, and peace and prosperity to our Fatherland”.

He expressed gratitude to the leaders of the country and all the people of Russia for being stoic while challenging the crisis of 2009, and stressed its role in formation of national self-consciousness.

Addressing the President of Russia, Patriarch emphasized that "it was also due to the role of the government which prevented the country from a dramatic decline as it happened in 90’s as a result of political turbulence ". The outgoing year “showed that our people and government together are able to overcome the most serious hardships and deal with troubles, which fall upon our country", told the Head of the Russian Orthodox Church. "We believe, that living according to the God’s truth will give us great strength", - added the Patriarch.

Vladimir Putin also attended the Christmas service at the cathedral. The Prime Minister of Russia arrived to Kostroma where he joined an overnight Christmas vigil in the Church of Saint Martyrs Alexander and Antonina of Rome in the village of Selishche.

The believers will celebrate the Nativity of Christ in course of 12 days up to the Holiday of Jesus’s Baptism. Divine Liturgies dedicated to the Great Holiday are taking place at night and in the morning at all churches worldwide.