April 26, 2022

Russian Easter Amid Conflict


Russian Easter Amid Conflict
Putin attends Easter service, April 24, 2022. Press Office of the President of Russia.

Russian Orthodox Easter bears all the hallmarks of one of the church's holiest days. This year, however, celebrations were held under the light of the continuing war.

Typically observed with religious rites and opulent late-night services (and traditional painted eggs), this year's festivities seemed much more comprehensive. City parades had a distinctively military flair, with the now-recognizable "Z" symbol and patriotic colors of St. George's ribbon mingling with traditional clerical outfits and intricate icons. Even military servicemembers took part in processions, underlining Russia's deep marriage between church and state.

As for Putin, he and Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin attended midnight service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Moscow's main church, which was first constructed after Russia's victory in the Napoleonic Wars. In an official statement, Putin said that Easter calls all Orthodox followers to recall their "high moral ideals and values, awakens in people the brightest feelings, faith in the triumph of life, goodness and justice." In a statement directed at Patriarch Kirill, Putin said that at Easter, "the hearts of believers are filled with special joy, sincere love for their neighbors, the desire to do good deeds and help those in need."

In effect, his statements sidestepped any mention of the war in Ukraine.

Orthodox Easter fell this year on April 24, one week after the date the holiday was observed by Catholic and Protestant denominations.

You Might Also Like

Pysanky for Peace
  • April 03, 2022

Pysanky for Peace

Ukrainian Easter pysanky are a colorful symbol of peace and prosperity. As the country resists Russian aggression, there are ways to support Ukrainian pysanka makers, learn to decorate your own Easter egg, or join a local event to learn about this unique tradition.
A Quiet Christmas for Putin
  • January 12, 2021

A Quiet Christmas for Putin

Instead of reveling in the bright lights of a Moscow Christmas celebration, Putin decided to take in the holiday at a small church in a small town.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

93 Untranslatable Russian Words
December 01, 2008

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.

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.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

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