Russian President Vladimir Putin attended midnight mass to mark the Orthodox Christmas service at the Cathedral of the Lord's Transfiguration of all the Guards.
Putin arrived at the Cathedral in St. Petersburg late on Monday. The overnight Christmas service lasted one and a half hours.
Russian leader gifted Theotokos of Tikhvin icon to the Transfiguration Cathedral. He also wished merry Christmas and happy new year.
Vladimir Putin stands among children and listened to prayer.
Noting that Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January.