The most important holiday in Christianity goes beyond its religious meaning in Russia
Millions of Russians celebrate the Orthodox Easter, the most important holiday in Christianity and which carries cultural significance throughout the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the Easter night service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, where Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia traditionally leads the Easter Vigils and Divine Liturgy.
In Russia, Easter goes beyond its religious meaning. In a country made up of different cultures and beliefs, including Islam and Buddhism, the holiday is not only observed by Christians, but also by non-believers and followers of other religions.
About 73% of Russians plan to celebrate Easter this year, according to a survey published Friday by state-run pollster VCIOM. Only 15% of respondents said they did not intend to celebrate the holiday.
About half of those surveyed said they would consider preparing traditional Russian Easter foods, including painted eggs and a sweet bread known as kulich.
About 40% see it as an opportunity to meet friends and relatives, plan to organize or attend festive gatherings.
Only about 20% observe Lent – the nearly seven-week period of fasting before Easter in the Orthodox tradition, the poll suggests. About 15% of respondents named egg painting as one of the most important Easter traditions in Russia, while 10% highlighted family gatherings.
Millions of Russians are expected to attend church services on Saturday night as part of the traditional Easter celebrations.
Orthodoxy is facing a resurgence in Russia, according to VCIOM, with the number of adherents increasing, especially among young people. The number of 18-24-year-olds who identify as Orthodox Christians has increased from 25% to 45% in recent years, the organization said in July 2025.
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