MOSCOW, January 7. /TASS/. Christmas is an important holiday for religious Russians, which gives people an opportunity to get together at the table and exchange gifts. However, the most important thing is that the Russians remain "on the side of the light" despite temptations, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said in a Christmas interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel.

The patriarch said he hopes that "our people stay on the side of the light, despite all these temptations, all soul-destroying information flow that people are facing today. So that people can see the light and stay on the side of the light" he said.

The patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church also urged Russians not to abandon the feast and gifts, since this is also an important dimension of human life.

"We know how good it is when the family gathers around the table, when close people visit, when there is an opportunity to communicate, support each other, rejoice together. Therefore, all this should remain," he added.

According to the patriarch, educated political elites and a united society are able to respond to current challenges and tasks that Russia faces. "A very big responsibility lies with those who have power. It is not only about the president or the prime minister, it is about all those people who responsibly exercise power today, and not only about them. ... The future of the country is our common business. And if we are united in the implementation of it, if we have clear goals, that we want good for our people, we want Russia to be independent, strong, self-sufficient, we should act and think united," he said.

According to the patriarch, cultural and spiritual foundation plays an important role in forming elites and consolidating society. He recalled that the united society should be built on spiritual and moral education, and not on consumer ideology.