On the eve of Orthodox Christmas, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of traditional values and national unity. In a meeting with families of Russian soldiers who have died in Ukraine, Putin highlighted the sacrifices made by Russian servicemen. “Our courageous, heroic guys, Russian warriors, even now, on this holiday, defend the interests of our country with arms in hand,” he stated, acknowledging the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Nearly two years into the conflict, which has caused widespread casualties and displacement, Putin’s rhetoric has increasingly focused on themes of unity and traditional values. This approach comes as he prepares for upcoming elections in March.
The Role of the Russian Orthodox Church
In his address, Putin called on Russians to embrace the values of “goodness, mercy, and justice.” He underscored the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in supporting these values, particularly in strengthening family institutions and fostering patriotism. The Russian leader has often aligned with the Church to promote a vision of a “Russian World” based on conservative values, contrasting with what he describes as a decadent Western culture. This alignment has manifested in various actions, including the recent ban of what Russia termed “the international LGBT social movement” on grounds of extremism.
In a significant cultural move, Putin transferred the iconic 15th-century Trinity painting by Andrei Rublyov from Moscow’s Tretyakov Museum to the Orthodox Church. This decision, made despite concerns from cultural experts about the artwork’s preservation, highlights the intertwining of religion and state under Putin’s administration.
Christmas Celebrations Amidst Conflict
Orthodox Christmas celebrations took place under the shadow of the ongoing conflict. In regions of Ukraine under Russian control, services were conducted on January 7, aligning with the Orthodox calendar. This contrasts with other parts of Ukraine, where the government moved the official Christmas celebration to December 25, a move seen as part of distancing from Russian heritage.
The war’s impact was palpable in cities like Belgorod, near the Ukraine border, where recent attacks disrupted holiday festivities. Despite these challenges, the Orthodox Christmas celebrations continued, reflecting the resilience and adherence to tradition amidst turbulent times.