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Easter celebrations in Russia

Russian Orthodox believers celebrated Easter on April 20

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The preparation for Easter begins with a 40-day period of self-examination and fasting

© ITAR-TASS/Vladimir Smirnov

The last week of the Great Fast ends with Easter vigil

© ITAR-TASS/Vladimir Smirnov

Holy Saturday is a day of strict fasting for Russian Orthodox Christians, while preparations are being made for the Easter meal

© ITAR-TASS/Vladimir Smirnov

Easter vigil in Moscow

© ITAR-TASS/Artyom Geodakyan

Easter vigil in Moscow

© ITAR-TASS/Mikhail Klimentyev

A cross procession is the most visited part of the Easter vigil

© ITAR-TASS/Artyom Geodakyan

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (left) with his wife (center)

© ITAR-TASS/Mikhail Metsel

Easter vigil in Astrakhan

© ITAR-TASS/Dmitry Rogulin

Easter vigil in Russia's Kamchatka territory

© ITAR-TASS/Alexander Petrov

Easter vigil in Crimea

© ITAR-TASS/Stanislav Krasilnikov

© ITAR-TASS/Sergei Bobulev

The Russian Orthodox Church bases Easter date on the Julian calendar, unlike most western Christian churches that use the Gregorian calendar. That is why sometimes the date of Easter differs for believers of different confessions. This year, Christians all over the world celebrated Easter on one day. Get a glimpse of traditions of celebrating the holiday in Russia in this photo gallery by ITAR-TASS

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ISS orbit raised ahead of launching Soyuz manned spacecraft

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Russia to raise issue of Ukrainian strikes on Rylsk at UNSC meeting on Friday — diplomat

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Ukraine’s General Staff admits tense situation along entire frontline

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NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

BRICS is approaching G20 format, Brazilian foreign minister says

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Kremlin spokesman clarifies Putin’s statement about Oreshnik 'duel'

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Putin to extend New Year greetings to peoples of several unfriendly countries — Kremlin

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Russia’s Battlegroup South liberates settlement of Ostrovskogo in DPR — Defense Ministry

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Civilian manufacturers ramp up drone production to 40,000 units per month

The Russian Defense Ministry has also purchased more than 100,000 units from small design bureaus and civilian manufacturers, the statement said

Russia ready to normalize relations with US without detriment to its interests — Putin

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Russia to invite World War II allies to next year’s Victory Day parade

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Oreshnik test launch forces London to take a step back — Russian ambassador

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NATO prepares for war with Russia, Moscow takes these risks into account — senior diplomat

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Musk believes Germany’s Scholz should step down after car drives into crowd in Magdeburg

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