Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' began the Christmas service on Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, correspondent reported.

On January 7, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates one of the main Christian holidays – the Nativity of Christ.

Among those present at the solemn ceremony in the capital's cathedral were clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church, priests of the Moscow diocese, government officials, public figures, volunteers Orthodox and parishioners of the capital's churches.

Live broadcast of the night patriarchal service, which will last several hours, is carried out by First, Rossiya-1, Spas television channels, as well as the official website of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Christmas holiday was established by the church to honor the birth of the Son of God – Jesus Christ. Christians consider the appearance of the Savior in the world to be the central event of all human history. On January 7 (December 25, Old Style), Christmas with the Russian Orthodox Church is celebrated by a number of local Orthodox churches around the world, Old Believers and Greek Catholics. Lap.

After Christmas, from January 8 to January 17, Orthodox Christians begin the Christmas Season (holy days), which is also a time of special spiritual celebration.