Christmas in Moscow

Ivan Sergeyevich Shmelev (1873–1950) was a Russian writer and publicist, twice nominated for the Nobel Prize, nicknamed the "Orthodox writer" for his numerous texts on the spirituality of the Russian people. While in emigration, "not for a moment in his spiritual fervor does he stop thinking about Russia and agonizing over its misfortunes." In Shmelev's works, his good knowledge of urban life, folk language, and "attention to folklore" were always noted. "Here, we started talking about Christmas... Those who have not seen the old Russia have no idea what Russian Christmas is, how it was awaited and celebrated. In Moscow, its sign shone from afar, gilded by the giant dome in the frosty night - the Cathedral of Christ the Savior."