23:55 06.01.2016(updated 06:21 07.01.2016) Get short URL

​The church in Turginovo, about two and a half hours northwest of Moscow, is where Putin’s parents were baptized.  

Putin’s attendance at the mass was unannounced, and parishioners were surprised to see the president come to celebrate Christmas with them.

After lighting a candle at an icon, Putin stood with students of the spiritual-educational center of Turginovo during the midnight service.