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The message reads, in part:

“One of our most beloved and eagerly awaited Christian holidays unites millions of people around the ideals of kindness, mercy and fairness. These fundamental values have played a special role in the history of our country, serving as strong spiritual and moral pillars of our society for centuries.

It is noteworthy that the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations in Russia make a tremendous and inspiring contribution to preserving our rich historical and cultural heritage, to strengthening the institution of the family and fostering patriotic values in the younger generation. Certainly, the efforts of our religious organisations to support our heroes serving in the special military operation and the residents of Donbass and Novorossiya deserve the deepest and most sincere respect.”

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On Christmas night, the President attended Christmas service at the Church of the Icon of Saviour Not Made by Hands in Novo-Ogaryovo together with families of service personnel who died in the special military operation zone. The President met with them earlier, on Christmas Eve, in his residence outside Moscow.