January 12, 2021

A Quiet Christmas for Putin


A Quiet Christmas for Putin
"Good king Putin-slaus went out, on the feast of Stephen..." Press Office of the President of Russia, Kremlin.ru

While many of us had holiday plans that were interrupted by coronavirus, Russian president Vladimir Putin hit up a historic site to celebrate Christmas.

Apparently itching to escape big-city Moscow for a little while, Putin rang in Orthodox Christmas (celebrated January 7 in the liturgical calendar) at St. Nicholas Church on Lipno Island just outside the town of Veliky Novgorod, one of Russia's most ancient cities.

Arriving by hovercraft (how else?) over the frozen lake, Putin attended Orthodox liturgy at the thirteenth-century church, which is one of several UNESCO historical sites in the area.

Putin's Christmas message read, in part: “This wonderful holiday illuminates the world with a light of love and kindness, gives joy and hope to millions of people and guides them towards timeless spiritual values."

Sounds like a good reason to pull out the hovercraft.

Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955