Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin attend the Orthodox Easter service at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2024. Sputnik/Valeriy Sharifulin/Pool via
President Vladimir Putin and numerous other attendees from Moscow participated in an Easter service on Sunday, overseen by the head of Russia’s Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, known for his staunch support of President Putin and his involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
During the service, President Putin, attired in a dark suit, white shirt, and a dark red tie, stood alongside Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin within the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the principal church in the capital. Both held lit red candles as depicted in video footage of the event. President Putin engaged in the customary crossings as part of the sung service, which commenced late on Saturday and extended into the early hours of Sunday. Following Patriarch Kirill’s announcement of “Christ is risen,” President Putin echoed the response of “He is risen indeed” along with other congregants. Notably, he did not engage in verbal communication beyond this exchange.
Patriarch Kirill, a vocal supporter of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, used the occasion to offer prayers for the safeguarding of Russia’s “sacred borders,” expressing optimism that divine intervention would alleviate the internal discord between Russia and Ukraine, as reported by the TASS state news agency.
Orthodox Christians, including adherents of the Russian Orthodox Church, adhere to the Julian calendar and thus celebrate Easter during this weekend, in contrast to most Western churches, which observed the holiday on March 31. President Putin, for whom the Orthodox faith holds significant importance, consistently attends religious services during prominent church holidays. Notably, during Christmas, he often participates in more secluded ceremonies held in churches outside the capital.
The choice of venue for President Putin’s Easter observance is traditionally the gold-domed Christ the Saviour Cathedral, emblematic of the close association between the state and the Orthodox Church, particularly since its reconstruction following the Soviet era.
Under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill, the Orthodox Church has demonstrated a stringent stance against internal dissent. Notably, one priest faces potential expulsion for refusing to offer prayers for Russia’s victory in Ukraine, while another has been suspended for overseeing memorial services at the grave of Alexei Navalny, the opposition figure who passed away in February under contentious circumstances in an Arctic prison.
COMMENTS