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NOVO OGARYOVO | TASS | Russian President Vladimir Putin received families of fallen soldiers in the special military operation at his presidential residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow and congratulated his guests with Orthodox Christmas.
“We can say without any exaggeration that this holiday is characterized by a distinct fraternal unity of the peoples of Russia,” Putin said adding that although the majority of Russia’s population is comprised of Orthodox Christians, representatives of other traditional confessions congratulate them with this holiday just like Orthodox Christians congratulate them on their respective religious holidays.
“I congratulate you all with this warm and heartfelt holiday,” the president said speaking to his guests.
Putin pointed out that the Orthodox Christmas in Russia is celebrated as widely as the New Year.
“Perhaps, it [Christmas] is more of a family-like holiday if compared to the New Year,” he said. “I may reiterate that it [Christmas] is a warm, cuddly and heartfelt holiday. It is one of the most favorite holidays in Russia.”
According to him, “on this day you want to say something special to each other, to support each other somehow.”
The Russian president noted that “even on this holiday many of our courageous and heroic men, Russia’s warriors, hold weapons in their hands defending the country’s interests. This is why I want to extend holiday greetings to them jointly with you.”
Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that on the eve of the holiday Putin had “a fairly thorough conversation with the families, talked to both widows and children” in Novo-Ogaryovo, and afterwards invited them to a festive dinner.
Putin and his invited guests attended an overnight Orthodox Christmas service at the Church of the Image of the Savior, located at his presidential residence in Novo-Ogaryovo.
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SOURCE: TASS
