Tonight, Russian Orthodox Christians are joyfully celebrating Christmas, a deeply cherished and spiritual holiday in Russia. Observed on January 7th according to the Julian calendar, Orthodox Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time for faith, family, and tradition.

The celebration begins with a solemn midnight liturgy held in churches across the country, including the iconic Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. Worshippers gather to offer prayers, light candles, and reflect on the meaning of Christ’s birth. The service is filled with beautiful choral singing and centuries-old rituals that create a profound atmosphere of reverence.

At home, families come together for a festive meal known as the Holy Supper (Святой вечер), traditionally consisting of 12 meatless dishes symbolizing the 12 apostles. The meal often includes kutia (a sweet grain pudding with honey and nuts), symbolizing hope and prosperity. The sharing of this meal emphasizes unity, humility, and gratitude.

Christmas in Russia is also a time for acts of kindness and charity, as many people visit orphanages, hospitals, and the less fortunate, spreading the holiday spirit through generosity and compassion.

Decorations play a significant role, with homes and churches adorned with candles, icons, and festive lights. While gift-giving is more commonly associated with New Year's celebrations in Russia, Christmas remains a time of reflection and spiritual renewal.

This ancient holiday, deeply rooted in Orthodox Christian faith, brings people together in peace and harmony, reminding everyone of the values of love, hope, and forgiveness. On this sacred night, millions across Russia come together to celebrate the miracle of Christ's birth and the enduring power of faith.

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On January 7, 1852, the first public Christmas tree was decorated in St. Petersburg.

The first Christmas trees in Russia appeared in the 18th century. Peter I issued a decree ordering the celebration of the New Year in Russia not on September 1, but on January 1, as was customary in European countries. He also instructed, "Along major streets and near the homes of notable people of both the spiritual and secular ranks, some decorations of pine and juniper trees and branches should be arranged... and for the poor, let each at least place a tree or branch on their gate or above their dwelling." After Peter I’s death, this tradition was forgotten, only to be revived in the early 19th century. In 1819, Grand Duke Nicholas Pavlovich, at the insistence of his wife, Princess Charlotte of Prussia, set up a New Year tree in the Anichkov Palace for the first time. In 1852, the first public New Year tree was decorated for Christmas in St. Petersburg, in the building of the Catherine (now Moscow) railway station.

Later, public Christmas trees began to be set up in other public places, and representatives of the nobility, industrialists, and merchants started organizing charitable New Year celebrations for children.

During World War I, decorating Christmas trees was banned as a "hostile tradition." After the October Revolution, this ban was lifted, but by 1926, decorating New Year trees was declared anti-Soviet. However, in 1935, the tradition was rehabilitated: the first children’s holiday event featuring a decorated tree was organized for the New Year. Today, decorating a New Year tree is one of the most beloved traditions among Russians.

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Key Traditions & Practices (The "What People Do")

1️⃣ Holy Celebration & Charity (The Light Side)

🤩 Caroling (Kolyadki): Groups, especially children and young people, go from house to house singing special folk songs called kolyadki that announce Christ's birth and wish the household prosperity. In return, they receive treats, sweets, or small money. (Similar to Christmas caroling, but with more specific, ancient songs).

🤩 Visiting & Feasting: After the strict Nativity Fast, people visit family and friends, sharing festive meals.

🤩 Charity: Giving to the poor and remembering ancestors is considered essential during this time.

🩷 To be continued...

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⚡️Moscow Responds to the Seizure of a Tanker Flying the Russian Flag

Russia’s Ministry of Transport has issued a statement in connection with the actions of the U.S. Coast Guard, which today seized the tanker Marinera flying the Russian flag.

According to the Ministry of Transport, at around 15:00 Moscow time on Wednesday, U.S. naval forces boarded the tanker, after which contact with the vessel was lost. The statement says the incident occurred on the high seas, outside territorial waters.

“In accordance with the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the regime of freedom of navigation applies on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states,” the statement said, as published on the ministry’s Telegram channel.

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This is verbatim Trump’s latest post on Truth Social:

Remember, for all of those big NATO fans, they were at 2% GDP, and most weren’t paying their bills, UNTIL I CAME ALONG. The USA was, foolishly, paying for them! I, respectfully, got them to 5% GDP, AND THEY PAY, immediately. Everyone said that couldn’t be done, but it could, because, beyond all else, they are all my friends. Without my involvement, Russia would have ALL OF UKRAINE right now. Remember, also, I single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS, and Norway, a NATO Member, foolishly chose not to give me the Noble Peace Prize. But that doesn’t matter! What does matter is that I saved Millions of Lives. RUSSIA AND CHINA HAVE ZERO FEAR OF NATO WITHOUT THE UNITED STATES, AND I DOUBT NATO WOULD BE THERE FOR US IF WE REALLY NEEDED THEM. EVERYONE IS LUCKY THAT I REBUILT OUR MILITARY IN MY FIRST TERM, AND CONTINUE TO DO SO. We will always be there for NATO, even if they won’t be there for us. The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT REBUILT U.S.A. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! President DJT

It makes no difference how much good he does for his country—or even for the world. The man is mentally unwell. And when someone mentally unwell is arguably the most powerful and influential man on the planet, the world becomes a very dangerous place. Because no one—not even he himself—knows what he might do tomorrow.

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On January 8, 1709, the first civil calendar in Russia was published in Moscow. Until then, Orthodox church calendars (saints' lists) were the primary means of marking time in Russia. The calendar, also known as the "Bryusov Calendar," was introduced at the initiative of Peter the Great and named after Yakov Bryus (pictured above), a prominent scientist, military leader, and close associate of the Tsar, who oversaw the Moscow Civil Printing Office.

The first edition of the calendar was engraved on copper plates and printed on six large-format sheets. It featured a universal calendar (mesyatseslov), daily weather and activity predictions, and explanatory tables. Over time, the calendar expanded to 47 sheets, including weather forecasts for the year, astrological data for each zodiac sign, descriptions of their influence, fortune-telling methods, and other practical information.

Today, the first edition of the Bryusov Calendar is a valuable antique. Only three complete copies remain in Russia, housed in the State Hermitage, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, and the Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

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Trump likely has serious psychological issues, which makes his actions unpredictable. It’s also quite possible that this unpredictability is, at least in part, deliberate. Most likely, it’s a combination of both.

The rational response is to set one’s own course and act proactively rather than reactively. This is precisely what Russia, under Vladimir Putin’s leadership, is doing. Expecting quick or impulsive responses from Russia to Trump’s moves is therefore unreasonable. Everything will unfold in due course.

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