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No public order violations reported in Russia during Christmas celebration

More than two million people attended religious services,

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, January 8 (Itar-Tass) — The Christmas celebration has been held in Russia without public order violations, the Russian Interior Ministry reported on Saturday.

More than two million people attended religious services, police said.

"Thanks to the joint and coordinated work of policemen, the Interior Ministry's troops, Russian Orthodox Church representatives and the public, order violations were prevented and security for citizens was ensured on the proper professional level," noted the chief of the main department for public order ensuring, Yuri Demidov.

Christmas services took place in more than 8,000 cathedrals and churches.

Traditionally, Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior was the centre of the celebration. According to the police, more than 5,000 people attended the service led by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

Over 76,000 policemen and interior troops, more than 4,000 guards of private organizations and 10,000 representatives from public organizations ensured public order and security in the country during the church services.

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