Braving the elements: GUU representatives took part in a cleanup day

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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Representatives of the State University of Management took part in a cleanup day in the Vykhino-Zhulebino district.

Vice-Rector Dmitry Bryukhanov and our students cleared the accumulated snow from the passage to the Vykhino metro station and the pedestrian area along Ryazansky Prospekt.

Municipal representatives, including Nina Kalkova, head of the Vykhino-Zhulebino municipal district, and active residents of the district also came out to fight the snow.

As a reminder, on January 9, Moscow experienced a record snowfall in 56 years: 42% of the monthly precipitation fell in one day.

We thank our activists for their concern and assistance to all residents of the district!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: January 12, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Christmas: the main holiday of Christians

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Source: Official website of the State –

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On January 7, Russia celebrates one of the main Christian holidays – the Nativity of Christ.

History of the holiday in Russia

Christmas began to be celebrated in Rus' after the adoption of Christianity in 988. The holiday quickly took hold, as it coincided with the winter solstice and became closely intertwined with existing Russian customs.

In Tsarist Russia, this holiday was one of the main celebrations of the church calendar, but in Soviet times, its celebration was banned, although traditions such as Christmastide and carols remained in the culture.

After the collapse of the USSR, Christmas returned to the national level and in 1991 January 7 became an official day off.

Christmas traditions

Festive service

On the night of January 6-7, all churches hold long festive services, the main part of which is the Divine Liturgy.

Every year, Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a Christmas service at one of our country's churches, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional Christian values.

Christmas table

On this day, the forty-day fast ends, and the fast can be broken. Therefore, not only Lenten dishes but also meat and poultry are served. The tradition of serving roast duck did not develop immediately, as until the 17th and 18th centuries, ducks were wild birds and were unobtainable in winter.

Decorations

On this day, nativity scenes featuring figurines of the Holy Family, angels, the Magi, and animals are often set up near churches and temples, and Christmas trees are decorated in homes. Incidentally, the custom of decorating a Christmas tree came to Russia relatively recently—in the 19th century.

An important symbol of Christmas is the Star of Bethlehem, which adorns the top of the holiday tree. The gifts symbolize the gifts of the Magi to the baby Jesus.

Covenants and signs

The main commandment of Christmas is to keep peace and joy in your heart. On this day, it is undesirable to engage in hard work, borrow money, sew, knit, or tell fortunes, swear, or indulge in excesses.

Folk omens mainly concerned the weather: a clear, starry sky promised a good harvest, a snowstorm foreshadowed an early spring, and a thaw foreshadowed a cold one.

Christmas is a bright and warm holiday, full of home comfort and faith in a bright future. Let's spend it surrounded by family and friends with a smile on our faces and joy in our hearts.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: January 7, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Christmas Eve: Waiting for the First Star

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Source: Official website of the State –

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On January 6, the eve of the main Christian holiday, one of the most mysterious and spiritual days of the year arrives – Christmas Eve.

What is "sochivo"?

The name of the holiday comes from the traditional dish served on this day, sochivo – grains of wheat, rye, and oats soaked in water with the addition of honey, poppy seeds, and dried or fresh fruit.

"You can't see the first star"

Christmas Eve is the last and strictest day of the forty-day fast, when only one meal is allowed and only after the first star appears in the sky.

Historically, this tradition stems from the long service held on this day, which ended only in the evening, when the stars were already shining in the sky. The monks were allowed to eat only after this, to gain strength before the nighttime liturgy.

In addition, the first star in the sky is a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, the appearance of which informed the Magi about the birth of Jesus Christ.

Festive table

For the festive dinner, 12 Lenten dishes are prepared—one for each apostle. The main dish is sochivo, with which the meal begins.

Also on the table are borscht, porridge, fish dishes, vegetable salads and stews, mushrooms, pickles, boiled and baked flour products, legume dishes, uzvar (a fermented drink) and dessert, which is usually baked apples with honey and nuts.

Fortune telling and carols

Beyond strict church traditions, Christmas Eve is surrounded by a mystical aura and is closely associated with folk fortune-telling. It was believed that on this night, the boundary between worlds becomes thinner, allowing one to glimpse the future. Unmarried girls were especially active in fortune-telling: they would throw a shoe or felt boot, pour wax, study shadows, burn threads, look in mirrors, and much more.

Christmas Eve marks the beginning of the season of caroling—visiting friends and singing songs that wish well-being to the hosts and glorify Christ and the Virgin Mary. The singers are greeted with refreshments and a small gift, and refusing is considered a grave sin and a bad omen. Caroling continues throughout the week of Christmas, from Christmas Eve to Epiphany.

Advertising and literature

The older generation may remember the phrase "you can't eat until the first star" from a popular commercial from the late 1990s, directed by Timur Bekmambetov and based on a true story. Once, during a Christmas dinner at Catherine II's palace, the empress noticed that all the guests were eating except Alexander Suvorov. When asked about his abstinence, the military commander replied that it was Lent and "you can't eat until the first star, we're waiting, sir." Catherine then ordered that he be presented with a star-shaped medal, and Suvorov joined the meal.

Literary works, such as Nikolai Gogol's story "The Night Before Christmas" from the cycle "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka," will also help you get into the spirit of Christmas Eve in Rus'.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: January 6, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Happy birthday to Sergey Glazyev!

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Source: Official website of the State –

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On this winter morning, the State University of Management congratulates Professor Sergei Glazyev, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurements at the State University of Management, and Director of the Master's Program "Economics of Integration Processes in the Eurasian Economic Union," on his 60th birthday!

The birthday boy's career was rich and incredibly eventful: in 1992 he became the Minister of Foreign Economic Relations of Russia, in 1994 Sergei Yuryevich was elected to the State Duma of the first convocation, later became a deputy in 2000 and 2004 (III and IV convocations), and in 2004 he ran for the post of President of Russia, taking third place in the elections.

In 2008, he returned to the field of foreign economic relations, first becoming Deputy Secretary General of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), and on February 4, 2009, Executive Secretary of the Commission of the Customs Union of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Russian Federation. It was under his leadership that the formation of the Common Economic Space began, which he continued to work on as an advisor to the President from 2012 to 2019.

In April 2025, by a joint decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Sergei Glazyev was appointed State Secretary of the Union State.

Alongside his intense political activities, Sergei Yuryevich also pursued academic work, receiving the title of professor in 1999. He has authored over 300 papers and has been the head of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurement at the State University of Management for many years. He regularly visits the university to give open lectures and participate in academic events, such as the traditional Lviv Forum.

We congratulate Sergei Yuryevich on his birthday and wish him a long life, new scientific discoveries, the achievement of his goals, and success in integrating and strengthening Russia's relations with friendly countries.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: January 1, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Happy New Year from Rector Vladimir Stroev

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Source: Official website of the State –

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Dear students, faculty and staff of the State University of Management!

I congratulate you on the upcoming magical holiday – New Year.

On this day, many expect miracles, and some even take on the role of fairytale wizard. This is quite symbolic, as in life, each of us is the creator of our own happiness, success, and well-being.

At SUM, we always remember this and teach our students to be independent, make informed decisions, and build their lives in a way that will reward them in the future. And we're successful at this, as evidenced not only by our high placements in various competitions and university rankings but also by the large number of successful graduates who hold leadership positions in government, business, large enterprises, and social projects.

In the coming year, I wish you to continue to confidently move towards your goals, find inspiration in simple things, and make time in your busy schedule for relaxation and connection with loved ones.

Be happy in the coming 2026!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 31, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Millennials will understand: 25 years have passed, and we are still alive

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Source: Official website of the State –

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Yes, yes, a global technological collapse did not occur, an asteroid did not arrive, the Sun did not go out, and this is a reason to throw a party and celebrate another New Year in the second millennium, because we are still alive!

Expectation

It may sound strange today, but in 1999, there were numerous theories about chaos, the end of the world, and so on, beginning in 2000. After all, not every generation celebrates a new millennium, and the unknown is always frightening and gives rise to the most incredible assumptions.

Technological collapse

The primary concern was a widespread technology failure due to the "Y2K problem": older computer systems were programmed to use two digits for the year (for example, "99"), and when switching to "00" (2000), the programs could confuse 1900 with 2000, causing a system crash. Ultimately, the disaster was averted thanks to the massive efforts of programmers.

Space threat

The year 1999 also brought with it unusual stellar phenomena, which some particularly impressionable observers saw as dire omens: a total solar eclipse, a "star shower," the passage of the asteroid Parke, and two comets, Arend and Lee. And in 2000, a minor planetary parade was also expected, which also wasn't expected to be good.

There were people who met the year 2000 in specially built bunkers, with food and household goods stocked for several years and fully prepared for the apocalypse.

Reality

Ultimately, nothing serious happened: there were no widespread technical glitches, public transportation continued to operate normally, and internet connections and apps remained stable. Yes, there were a few hiccups—for example, in some stores, cash registers scanned receipts showing the year 1900—but these were more of a pleasant souvenir.

Interestingly, due to the lack of the expected failure, some of the people responsible for solving the 2000s problem were punished or criticized for causing panic.

"Those tasked with fixing the millennium bug would have been damned if serious problems had arisen, and are damned now because problems have not arisen," the BBC noted on January 4.

Let us value and cherish what we have today and look to the future without fear and with hope for the best. Peace, health, and happiness to all.

Happy New Year!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 31, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

"I'm tired. I'm leaving": the phrase that never happened

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Source: Official website of the State –

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On December 31, Russian President Boris Yeltsin announced the early termination of his powers.

A balanced decision

The next presidential elections were scheduled to take place on July 9, 2000, after the end of Boris Yeltsin's second presidential term.

Back in the summer of 1999, Russia's first President introduced his successor, Vladimir Putin, who had been appointed Prime Minister at the time, to the nation. In his memoirs, Boris Nikolayevich wrote that on December 14, 1999, he informed Vladimir Putin of his decision to step down early as President and his desire for Putin to lead the country.

New Year's surprise

At precisely noon on December 31, Boris Yeltsin's address was broadcast on television, announcing his resignation, emphasizing that it was not related to his health and that he saw no point in holding on to power for another six months. Many were also touched by the fact that the President apologized to those whose expectations he had not met. Incidentally, according to the signed documents, Boris Yeltsin's presidential term ended at 12:00 PM.

Since not everyone watched daytime television in the pre-New Year rush, the traditional New Year's greeting from Acting President Vladimir Putin came as a surprise to some parts of the country.

The country's new leader thanked Boris Yeltsin for his contribution to the country's development, announced the upcoming early elections, warned that "any attempts to go beyond the bounds of Russian laws, beyond the bounds of the Russian Constitution, will be decisively suppressed," and emphasized that "the state has stood and will continue to stand guard over the security of every one of our people."

The Mandela Effect

Incidentally, Boris Nikolayevich never uttered the famous phrase, "I'm tired. I'm leaving." His speech instead included the words, "I'm leaving. I've done all I could." There are several theories as to why most Russians misremembered the speech. Some say Boris Nikolayevich looked tired in the recording, which may have been the result of associative thinking. Others claim there were two recordings of the address, and the one containing the phrase has not survived. Still others are convinced that the altered version of the President's farewell remarks became popular due to numerous jokes by the KVN (KVN) members.

More details about how our own memories can deceive us are discussed in an article dedicated to the Mandela effect.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 31, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

25 years of the Russian National Anthem

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Source: Official website of the State –

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On December 30, 2000, the new National Anthem of the Russian Federation was officially performed for the first time.

A few days earlier, on December 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Federal Constitutional Law "On the National Anthem of the Russian Federation" and approved the music, retaining the work of composer Alexander Alexandrov, composed back in 1939 and approved as the anthem of the USSR in 1944 by Joseph Stalin personally.

"We need an anthem with words"

After the collapse of the USSR, a melody based on M. I. Glinka's "Patriotic Song" performed without words was adopted as the anthem of the Russian Federation.

Athletes have repeatedly noted that the inability to sing their country's anthem negatively impacts morale and patriotism. Their concerns were heard in 2000 at a meeting in the Kremlin with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Vladimir Vladimirovich drew public attention to this issue and emphasized that the legislative enshrinement of state symbols (anthem, coat of arms, and flag) should be a priority for the state.

As a result, by the end of 2000, Russia had a new anthem with lyrics by Sergei Mikhalkov, which is known to all residents of the country today.

First performance

On December 30, 2000, the country's leading politicians, prominent businessmen, and representatives of the arts gathered at the Grand Kremlin Palace for a gala reception. The meeting included the first official performance of the country's new anthem by opera and pop stars. Vladimir Putin, who delivered the speech, emphasized the importance of the country entering the new millennium with new state symbols.

Russians heard the new anthem on January 1, 2001, after the New Year's address of the President of Russia.

You can hear the Russian National Anthem performed by GUU students on our official platforms: MAH, VKontakte, and Telegram.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 30, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The "golden squad" of the GUU hockey team won the match of generations.

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Source: Official website of the State –

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On the eve of the New Year, the annual match between the current team of the State University of Management Hockey Club and the "golden squad" of our national team took place. This year, the traditional match has special significance, as the SUM hockey team is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Those who created the club's history, and those who continue to write it with honor, took to the stage:

The "Golden Squad"—legendary players whose names are forever etched in the annals of college hockey—are champions who have won gold medals since 2010, and heroes who brought the university an unforgettable gold medal in the MSHL Bachelor's Division in the 2021/2022 season. Today, many of them form the core of the coaching staff, passing on their experience and winning spirit to new generations. The current team is the modern face of the club, embodying the speed, indomitable energy, and competitive spirit of today's HC GUU.

The match, as befits a meeting of generations, was tense and competitive. The youth and drive of the current squad met the invaluable experience, skill, and teamwork of the veterans.

Ultimately, the champion team confirmed its high class by winning convincingly with a score of 8:4.

This was the final game of 2025, as all of the GUU sports teams took their traditional New Year's break to recharge for new achievements.

We look forward to seeing our athletes on the ice and sports fields in January 2026, where new games, challenges, and victories await!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 29, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The Day the Union Disappeared

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December 25, 1991, is a significant moment in the history of Russia and the entire post-Soviet space. This day marked the end of the Soviet Union, which for more than seven decades had exerted significant influence on global politics, economics, and culture. Mikhail Gorbachev's departure from the presidency of the USSR marked the final point in the history of a great power that once occupied one-sixth of the world's landmass.

The events of that day unfolded rapidly. At 7:35 PM, a symbolic event occurred over the Kremlin in Moscow: the USSR flag, which had embodied the unity and power of the Soviet state, was replaced by the tricolor of the Russian Federation. This moment was not only an act of symbolic change but also a reflection of the profound changes taking place in the country. The flag change marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new stage in the lives of millions of people living in a country that no longer existed.

The policies of glasnost and perestroika, implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev to modernize Soviet society, had tragic consequences. Instead of the expected economic growth and strengthening, the country plunged into crisis. National movements in the republics, economic hardship, and political instability became integral features of the final years of the USSR.

Despite all the negative factors, 78% of Soviet citizens were against the country's dissolution, as they stated in a referendum held on March 17, 1991. However, their opinion was unable to change the situation.

The resignation of President Mikhail Gorbachev symbolized not only his personal defeat, but also the collapse of an entire system that was unable to adapt to new conditions.

Russia, the successor to the USSR, faced the need to build a new national identity. Questions about how to develop the country, reform the economy, and improve relations with the former republics came to the fore. The transition to a market economy, which began in the 1990s, was difficult and painful. Many people lost their savings and jobs, and their standard of living declined significantly.

And yet, despite all the difficulties, our country was able to embark on a path of development, adapt to new conditions, and begin building a new society. Memories of the Soviet Union still live in people's hearts; according to periodic sociological surveys, more than half of Russians still regret the country's collapse.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 25, 2025.

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.