Kathrine Frich
Vladimir Putin’s celebration of Orthodox Christmas has become one of the most predictable rituals of his public calendar.
It is a blend of faith, symbolism and political messaging that he repeats every January.
Although the Kremlin has not yet announced where he will appear this year, past years show clear patterns in how Russia’s leader marks the most important religious holiday of the Orthodox calendar.
Below are the three traditions Putin almost always follows.
1. He attends a late-night church service
Every year on the night of January 6–7, Putin appears at a Divine Liturgy, sometimes in a major cathedral and sometimes in a small, remote church far from Moscow.
He rarely chooses the same location twice in a row.
In previous years he has:
- visited historic regional churches such as the one on Lipno Island in Novgorod,
- attended services at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo,
- or appeared at prominent Moscow churches such as the Church of St. George the Victorious.
This shifting geography has become a symbolic tradition of its own.
By rotating locations, Putin reinforces the idea that he is the leader of all of Russia, from its ancient heartlands to its modern political capital.
2. He ties the holiday to Russia’s military and national identity
Putin consistently uses Christmas as a moment to highlight patriotism and wartime resolve.
In recent years, he has invited families of servicemen, veterans returning from Ukraine, and decorated soldiers to attend the service with him or meet him afterward.
These appearances allow Putin to blend religious symbolism with national sacrifice, presenting the war effort as morally and historically justified.
His speeches usually praise “traditional values,” “unity,” and “spiritual strength,” framing Russia as defending its heritage under difficult circumstances.
3. He delivers a holiday message
Every Orthodox Christmas, Putin issues a formal address congratulating believers and praising the Russian Orthodox Church for supporting families, moral stability and patriotism.
His messages typically highlight three themes:
- national unity,
- spiritual renewal,
- the Church’s role in preserving Russian identity.
He rarely mentions politics directly, but his chosen words often reflect the broader geopolitical mood.
A tradition designed for both believers and audiences abroad
While tens of millions of Russians celebrate Christmas quietly at home,
Putin uses the holiday to stage a powerful annual performance: part religious observance, part political theatre, and part national reassurance in a time of war.
This year the pattern remains clear faith, symbolism and strategic messaging will once again shape the Russian president’s Christmas.
