The Russian Orthodox Church numbers 90 million in Russia. Positive thinking was emailed by Irina Chetina of Moscow. “Luckily, all churches are open, and services are going in a regular way,” said Irina Chetina of Moscow, Russia. It is almost the same number of parishioners as before the pandemic. It is still Christmas lent and people try to go to church and take part in communion as often as possible.”
“In my church like in many others they do two liturgies every Sunday because of a lot of people, she explained. “Moscow is preparing for the New Year and Christmas celebrations. Many decorations have been already put up though works are still going on. This year they are not so grandiose as previously, but nevertheless impressive.”
I have correspondence with my Russian tour guide Irina, a mother of three sons, since the autumn of 2015.
Ms. Chetina emailed beautiful Christmas scenes of GUM in the Kremlin. GUM is the largest department store in Russia. Situated on a traditional market site on the northeast side of Red building originally known as the Upper Trading Arcade was designed by A.N. Pomerantsev and built-in 1889–93 in a pseudo-Russian style over a hidden metal skeleton.
In its original form, it housed more than 1,000 shops. Reconstructed in 1953, the structure has three levels and now houses about 150 shops. The store, which functions more like a Western-style shopping Centre than a department store, offers food, clothing, home appliances, watches and cameras, and many other goods. In addition to offering a full line of products, GUM became a tourist attraction for its remarkable size and ornate interior.1
Christmas in Russia is most widely celebrated on January 7. The Russian Orthodox Church adheres to the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.
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