Christmas came to Russia

One of the main Christian holidays - Christmas - entered the Russian land.

The day before, a festive service was performed in the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior in the Moscow Cathedral of Christ. He was headed by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II . About five thousand people gathered under the arches of the main Orthodox cathedral of the country. The head of the government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Fradkov, traditionally present at the Patriarchal services for Christmas and Easter, the chairman of the State Duma, Boris Gryzlov, came here. Leaving the temple, they presented the head of the Russian Orthodox Church for bouquets of red and tea roses, ITAR-TASS reports.

Among the guests in the temple was the diplomatic representative of the Vatican in Russia by Archbishop Antonio Mennini.

At the end of the service, Patriarch Alexy congratulated the Orthodox Christians on Merry Christmas and wished, "so that the joy of the holiday was with every person and that people carry it to their own families and their loved ones." He also wished that "the realization that the Lord came to Earth for the sake of our salvation, inspire confidence in life and gives strength to overcome difficulties and tests." "We pray that for our Fatherland 2007 to be peaceful and creative, and for each of us - the year of health, well -being and improvement in the commandments of the Lord," said Alexy II.

The direct broadcasts of the main part of the worship were carried out by the first channel of television and the TV channel "Russia".

The festive worship was performed today in all Orthodox churches of the Russian Orthodox Church, which are more than 27 thousand around the world. The Gospel event, from which the countdown of a new era began, is also celebrated by the Russian Orthodox Church abroad , Jerusalem, Georgian , Jerusalem and Serbian Orthodox churches and Athos monasteries living in the Julian calendar. Thus, the festive bells rang this night on all continents, including Antarctica, where the Orthodox Church is also erected.

President Putin attended the Christmas service in the Novo-Jerusalem Monastery in the Moscow Region

Russian President Vladimir Putin a few minutes before midnight came to the Novo-Jerusalem Monastery , located in the city of Istra of the Moscow Region. He was met by the governor of the monastery Archimandrite Nikita (Latushko).

The head of state was present here at the festive worship committed in the monastery church of the Nativity of Christ.

Putin went into the temple, lit a candle and put it in a candlestick opposite the altar. Then the head of state took a place to the right of the royal gates among parishioners.

Vladimir Putin is invariably in churches for Christmas and Easter. At the same time, as a rule, to visit the Christmas service, the president chooses a small church outside of Moscow.

By Christmas, the president applies to the holiday that revives the traditions of morality and charity. “This holiday brings bright joy and good expectations to the houses of millions of people, unites us all around traditional moral values, serves to strengthen moral principles and consent in society,” Putin said in congratulations to the Orthodox Christians of Russia. “Christmas days are a time of charity and mercy, sincere attention to everyone who needs our participation, help and care,” he emphasized.

From today, Christmas Christmas time begins

From today, Christmas Christmas time begins - within 12 days before the festival of baptism, Orthodox people glorify the born savior of the world. These days it is customary to visit the sick and the poor, exchange gifts, visit holy places. The custom of Christmas offers is associated with the events of the Bethlehem night when the Magi brought the baby-Isus gold, incense and Smirna. These gifts are still preserved in the Holy Mount Athos.

After 1917, the Christmas of Christ in Russia was celebrated secretly. In 1991, Christmas officially became a holiday weekend.