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
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