A line at the entrance, praying children, and prominent figures: The main Christmas service took place at Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

3

We showcase how the main Christmas service took place at the Kazan Cathedral.

Photo: Alexey BULATOV. Go to the KP Photo Bank

On the night of January 7, during the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, festive services were held in the Northern capital. Thousands of believers attended Orthodox churches that night. The main night service took place at the Kazan Cathedral, conducted by Metropolitan Varsonofy of St. Petersburg and Ladoga, alongside the clergy of the metropolis.

4

The main night service was held at the Kazan Cathedral.

Photo: Alexey BULATOV. Go to the KP Photo Bank

- We celebrate this great and bright holiday with all of Russia and the Orthodox world, - noted the governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov, who attended the service. - The history of our homeland is inseparable from the Orthodox faith. In difficult times, faith helped our ancestors endure. Today it aids us in our struggle against all who attempt to break Russia.

5

The Nativity of Christ is celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide.

Photo: Alexey BULATOV. Go to the KP Photo Bank

Before the main service began, a small queue formed outside the cathedral. As clarified by the photo correspondent from "KP - St. Petersburg," this was due to the need to pass through metal detectors. There was no crowding inside the building. At least five hundred people attended the service, including many children. The little ones prayed and lit candles along with everyone else.

6

There were many children at the service in the Kazan Cathedral. They prayed together with everyone.

Photo: Alexey BULATOV. Go to the KP Photo Bank

7

According to tradition, on this day, Jesus – the Savior of mankind – was born.

Photo: Alexey BULATOV. Go to the KP Photo Bank

It is worth noting that in the lead-up to the holiday, the Ministry of Emergency Situations checked compliance with fire safety in the churches of St. Petersburg. On Christmas night, no incidents were reported during the services.

8

The service at the Kazan Cathedral was conducted by Metropolitan Varsonofy of St. Petersburg and Ladoga, alongside the clergy of the metropolis.

Photo: Alexey BULATOV. Go to the KP Photo Bank

Want to stay updated on the most important news from St. Petersburg? Subscribe to the Telegram channel “Komsomolskaya Pravda: SPb” so you don’t miss anything.