Putin among the worshippers in Moscow as Russia celebrates Easter

Russian president Vladimir Putin attends the Orthodox Easter service at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow (Pavel Bednyakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Worshippers including President Vladimir Putin packed Moscow’s landmark Christ the Saviour Cathedral for a night-time Easter service led by Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church and an outspoken supporter of the Kremlin.

The traditional sung service began late on Saturday, with Mr Kirill delivering well-wishes to Orthodox believers which were broadcast on Russian TV.