In Russia, Orthodox  Christmas is a national holiday celebrated on January 7 and it corresponds with December 25 of the older Julian calendar.In this day all banks and public offices remain closed. During the Soviet domination the Christmas celebrations were banned but now they are regaining their traditional and religious meanings.

Putin went to celebrate Christmas with parishioners in the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God in Turginovo, 150 kilometers northwest of Moscow. He chose this church because his parents were baptized there.

His arrival wasn’t announced and he stood with students of the spiritual-educational center during the midnight service.