Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in Easter night services at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, joining worshippers in one of the most significant religious celebrations of the Orthodox calendar.

Putin attended the service alongside Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. During the ceremony, the president approached and venerated the revered Vladimir and Don icons of the Mother of God, recently transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church. He made the sign of the cross and bowed before each icon.

The two historic relics were temporarily moved from the State Tretyakov Gallery to the cathedral for the Easter celebrations. The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God dates back to the early 12th century and, according to tradition, was brought to Rus from Constantinople. The Don Icon, created in the late 14th century, is closely associated with Russia’s historical defense and is linked to the founding of Moscow’s Donskoy Monastery.

Addressing the faithful, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia described the return of the icons as an event of historic significance. He said the decision would resonate not only in the history of the Church and the state, but also in the broader history of the Russian people, noting that generations of rulers, military leaders, and believers have prayed before these sacred images.

The Patriarch also thanked the president for his role in facilitating the transfer. In response, Putin crossed himself and bowed his head.

The presence of the icons at the cathedral during Easter has drawn particular attention, as they are among the most venerated religious artifacts in Russia and are rarely moved from museum collections.