Putin attends an Orthodox Easter service in Moscow

"Christ is risen!

Christ is risen!.

As we can see, according to tradition on the Holy Easter holiday, the President of Russia, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, is present at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior to share in the joy of the Easter celebration with the Patriarch and with all Orthodox believers. Also present at the cathedral is the Mayor of Moscow, Sergey Semyonovich Sobyanin.

The news of the Risen Savior, by the grace of God and the efforts of the Apostles, quickly spread throughout the world and found devoted followers among the people of the Earth."

On April 20, 2025, Orthodox Christians in Moscow celebrated Easter with a midnight service at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The ceremony was led by Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, and attended by President Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.​

The service began late Saturday night and extended into the early hours of Sunday. Worshippers filled the cathedral, holding lit candles as clergy in white robes processed through the sanctuary, swinging incense censers and chanting hymns. Patriarch Kirill delivered Easter greetings and emphasized themes of peace and moral conduct, referencing the concept of "historical Rus," which includes modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

President Putin participated in the traditional rituals, lighting a candle and making the sign of the cross during the proclamation "Christ is risen." Earlier that day, he had announced a unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, though Ukrainian officials reported continued hostilities, questioning the sincerity of the gesture.

The celebration occurred amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, marking the fourth year since Russia's invasion in 2022. Despite the festive atmosphere, the war's impact was palpable, with Patriarch Kirill's messages subtly addressing the desire for peace in the region.