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Russian Orthodox Christmas Traditions with Vladimir Ivanov

Russian Orthodox Christmas Traditions with Vladimir Ivanov


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

For Russian Orthodox Christians, December 25th is a special day. But the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany are the highlight of the festive season, full of wonders and mystery. From puppet shows to folk carols sung house to house by locals in costumes to swimming in icy cold water to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ, Orthodox Christmas is colorful and full of ancient rituals.
In this seminar, we will discuss the differences between Western and Eastern Christianity and compare the worship and church rituals, the annual calendar, and the artistic traditions of both religions. We will trace the roots of Eastern Christianity back to Paganism and see how Orthodox religion has absorbed and modified ancient rites and beliefs. We will also see how the Russian Imperial Court celebrated Christmas in the Winter Palace and how everything suddenly changed after the October Revolution of 1917 when such fairy-tale figures as Father Frost and his granddaughter Snow Maiden became most honorable guests at New Year parties in the Kremlin.
Led by St Petersburg-based art historian Vladimir Ivanov, this interactive seminar aims at giving a broad picture of Christmas as it is celebrated in Russia. Designed to inspire curiosity as well as future travels, participants are expected to come away with a new perspective on the most joyful day of the year.

Holding an MA in Classics, Vladimir is an author of a book called “Inspired by outer space: images of the future in late Soviet architecture” and a key contributor to TASCHEN's edition "CCCP: Cosmic Communist Constructions Photographed". Vladimir has written articles on contemporary art for local media, done podcasts on photography and the Russian revolution. He has also curated a number of exhibitions, including "The Cradle of the Faith: Christian Presence in the Middle East" in New Michael Palace and "Lingua Sacra" in the Imperial Public Library. Currently, he is doing architectural walks in St Petersburg and shares his vast knowledge of arts through the tours of the Hermitage and Russian museums.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 12 reviews
92%
(11)
8%
(1)
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C
C.F. (Santa Monica, US)
Wonderful!

This was a very enjoyable tour, particularly given that Russian orthodox traditions are so very different than those with which I am familiar. The presentation was terrific and it was a nice addition to our holiday season.

D
D.B. (Casper, US)
Russian Christmas

History and symbolic significance of Christmas in Russia

S
S.S.
Russian Christmas

Very Good and detailed presentation of the Russian Orthodox Traditions,

A
Anonymous (Bellmore, US)

Guest did not leave comment

J
Jennie Stillman (Louisville, US)
something for everyone

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 12 reviews
92%
(11)
8%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
C
C.F. (Santa Monica, US)
Wonderful!

This was a very enjoyable tour, particularly given that Russian orthodox traditions are so very different than those with which I am familiar. The presentation was terrific and it was a nice addition to our holiday season.

D
D.B. (Casper, US)
Russian Christmas

History and symbolic significance of Christmas in Russia

S
S.S.
Russian Christmas

Very Good and detailed presentation of the Russian Orthodox Traditions,

A
Anonymous (Bellmore, US)

Guest did not leave comment

J
Jennie Stillman (Louisville, US)
something for everyone

Guest did not leave comment