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Midnight Mass on Russia's Orthodox Christmas Eve

During the Soviet era, the celebration of religious holidays was banned. Russians now celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7 according to the old “Julian” Calendar. Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency
Winter holidays in Russia begin on New Year’s Eve and carry through the night of Jan. 10. Christmas Eve services are popular among Russians, even though the New Year celebrations overshadow the festivities. Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency
Many Russians end the 40-day Lent period by attending the Christmas service on Jan. 6. The festive meal traditionally consists of 12 dishes, symbolizing the 12 apostles. Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency
Members of the religious youth movement “Orthodox Volunteers” help during the Christmas service at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency
Patriarch Kirill conducts the Christmas service at the Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour which opened its doors in 2000. The Cathedral is the largest in Russia and can accommodate up to 10.000 people. Mikhail Tereshenko / TASS
Vladimir Putin at the midnight service at the Church of Saints Simeon and Anna, one of the oldest orthodox churches in St. Petersburg. “I wish all Orthodox Christians and everybody who is celebrating Christmas good health, success and happiness,” Putin said in his message following the service. Kremlin Press Service
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his wife Svetlana at the Christmas service at the Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency
The main symbols of the Orthodox Christmas are a decorated tree and a star symbolizing Jesus Christ's Birth. Christmas rituals include lighting candles to represent the light of Christ, and honor his birth. Dmitry Feoktistov / TASS

In Russia, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7 and attend midnight Christmas Eve services in churches throughout the country.

The Head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, conducted the main service at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow this year while President Putin attended the service at the Church of Saints Simeon and Anna in his hometown, St. Petersburg.

Read more about: Putin

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