The fall of the USSR affected Religion in ways that could not have been seen. Christmas was banned in Russia 75 years earlier, along with other religious
celebrations. This caused sadness as Christmas was both a solemn ritual and a joyous celebration, celebrated on January 7th.
There was an increase in attacks on churches throughout the 1930’s. Communism taught people religion was "the opium of the masses". Church leaders were arrested. Churches were shut down. Stalin could not allow a challenge to his position.
In 1992 the holiday began to be observed again.
An old Russian tradition is the Christmas Eve fast and meal. The fast, lasts until after the evening worship service or until the first star appears. The dinner after that is a celebration. Meat is not permitted. Kutya (kutia), a type of porridge, is the primary dish, being symbolic for happiness and peace.
The food is Lenten, served in a festive style. Russians call this meal: "The Holy Supper." Family gathers around the table to honor the coming Christ Child. A white table-cloth, symbolic of Christ's swaddling clothes, covers the Table. Hay is brought as a reminder of where Jesus was born. A tall white candle is place in the center of the Table, symbolic of Christ, "the Light of the World." A large round loaf of Lenten bread, "pagach," symbolic of Christ the Bread of Life, is placed next to the Candle.
The image on this page is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, in Saint Petersburg. For a people denied certain religious rights for 75 years, you can tell in their religious buildings just how important religion is to them.