By Peter McLaren-Kennedy • Published: 07 Jan 2023 • 8:11
Vladimir Putin - Image RIA
According to the state news service TASS on Saturday, January 7, the appearance at the divine service in the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin is a departure from previous Christmases.
In the past, Putin had joined public services in Cathedrals outside of Moscow.
Unusually he appeared in a blue jacket and white-necked jersey, which is not in accordance with the strict dress code that is upheld in the cathedral.
Putin was the only worshipper with the service appearing to have been laid on, especially for him. The service was carried on national television and showed Putin in a pensive and somewhat dejected-looking mood.
The choice of church is unusual for the president according to TASS, which lists the Annunciation Cathedral, as the house church of the Moscow grand dukes and then the tsars. The cathedral was used for the solemn entrance to the grand ducal palace during the ceremony of the wedding to the kingdom, the meeting of foreign ambassadors, and processions during religious holidays.
The choice to attend the Christmas service alone and the choice of cathedral and attire will leave many questions unanswered. The facial expressions of the president will no doubt feed the rumour mill that his time is short.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Share this story
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Originally from South Africa, Peter is based on the Costa Blanca and is a web reporter for the Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.