Putin attends Christmas mass in Moscow (VIDEO)

The Russian leader has congratulated Christians in Russia and abroad

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a Christmas mass in Moscow on Tuesday. 

Putin lit the candles in the Church of Saint George the Victorious on Poklonnaya Hill, the site of the grandiose memorial complex dedicated to Russia’s victory in World War II.

The president later traveled to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior – Russia’s chief Christian temple – where he met with Patriarch Kirill.

In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin congratulated Orthodox Christians in Russia and abroad. “During the Christmas season, we feel with all our hearts the importance of ancestral, familial traditions passed through generations,” Putin said. 

“The Russian Orthodox Church, as well as Russia’s other Christian denominations, play a huge positive role in unifying the people, preserving our historical memory and unique cultural, spiritual heritage,” he added.