Christmas Eve: Waiting for the First Star

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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.

Financial news: 05.01.2026, 14-16 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the SFIN (SEFAI JSC) security were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

January 5, 2026, 2:16 PM

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by the National Credit Center (JSC) on 05.01.2026, 14-16 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with the settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -32.99%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -0.956 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 53.73%) of the SFIN security (SFAI JSC) were changed.

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.

Financial news: 05.01.2026, 14-23 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A107G55 (IADOM 1P39) were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

January 5, 2026, 2:23 PM

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the NCC (JSC) on 05.01.2026, 14-23 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 109.12) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 887.67 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 15.0%) of the security RU000A107G55 (IADOM 1P39) were changed.

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.

Financial News: Discrete auction of VLHZ securities held

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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VLHZ

VHZ-AO

As of 16:15:00, the current price was 243.2 rubles. (Deviation – 20.04%).

There was an increase of 20.00% or more within 5 minutes in a row in the current share price from the closing price of the previous trading day (202.6 rubles).

In the Main Trading Mode T, a discrete auction (DA) will be held from 16:19:00.

In other non-addressed trading modes during the DA period, trading is conducted in accordance with the established regulations.

The end of the DA and resumption of trading at 16:49:00.

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.

Financial news: 05.01.2026, 16-38 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A106TN4 (VimpelK2R1) were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

January 5, 2026, 4:38 PM

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the National Credit Center (JSC) on 05.01.2026, 16-38 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 105.89) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1119.93 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 10.0%) of the security RU000A106TN4 (VimpelK2R1) were changed.

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.

Financial news: 05.01.2026, 17-29 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

January 5, 2026, 5:29 PM

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the NCC (JSC) on 05.01.2026, 17-29 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 94.07) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1001.88 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed.

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 government has approved a procedure for subsidizing regions to provide medications to people with rare diseases.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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Resolution of December 26, 2025 No. 2157

Document

Resolution of December 26, 2025 No. 2157

Starting in 2026, regions will be able to receive federal funding for the purchase of expensive medications for patients with orphan diseases. A resolution has been signed approving the rules for providing subsidies for these purposes.

Regions with limited budgetary resources will be eligible for this support if they demonstrate financial need. Applicants from regional leaders will submit applications to the Ministry of Health.

The federal budget has allocated 9 billion rubles for these purposes in 2026, and 10 billion rubles each in 2027 and 2028.

The possibility of federal subsidies to regions for providing medications to people with rare diseases is established by new provisions of the federal law "On the Fundamentals of Health Protection of Citizens in the Russian Federation." These provisions come into effect on 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.

Marat Khusnullin: More than 300 km of roads to winter recreation areas were upgraded under the "Infrastructure for Life" national project in 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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Thanks to the "Infrastructure for Life" national project, more than 300 km of regional and local roads leading to winter recreation areas and New Year's celebrations were brought up to standard by 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin announced this.

"During the New Year holidays, routes to winter recreation centers, ski resorts, fairs, and city squares—the sites of traditional folk festivals—as well as to the residences of local Father Frosts and other fairytale characters, are extremely popular. In 2025, thanks to the national project "Infrastructure for Life" alone, 118 such sections of the regional and local road network, totaling over 300 km, were brought up to standard," said Marat Khusnullin.

In general, special attention is paid to routes to tourist attractions, as transport accessibility is just as important to travelers as service and comfortable accommodation.

"The development of domestic tourism is unimaginable without modern, high-quality infrastructure. In 2025, as part of the national project 'Infrastructure for Life,' 430 sections of regional and local roads, totaling 2,200 km, leading to tourist attractions were renovated. These routes offer us the opportunity not only to relax but also to visit unique regional attractions, show children historical and architectural monuments, and even learn something new and inspiring," said Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin.

New Year holidays are a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

"The most emotional and sincere joys are associated with family. A trip to the Northern Lights, to the home of Father Frost or the Snow Maiden, a joint visit to the skating rink or a New Year's fair can be unforgettable for everyone, regardless of age. And high-quality and safe roads will make such trips comfortable and enjoyable," noted Kairat Tursunbekov, Deputy Head of the Federal Road Agency.

In Yoshkar-Ola, Mari El Republic, the asphalt pavement on a section of Leninsky Prospekt was renewed. This is the main route to Lenin Square, the traditional site of New Year's celebrations. The opening ceremony of the annual "Mari Winter" festival took place here, the highlight of which was a large-scale procession of Father Frosts.

As the winter holidays approach, more and more residents and visitors to the republic are making a point of visiting the residence of the Mari Father Frost. The main route to the residence is along the Yoshkar-Ola-Urzhum highway. In 2025, the reconstruction of the bridge over the Nemda River was completed. During the construction and installation process, the three-span reinforced concrete bridge was essentially rebuilt from scratch. Road workers installed a foundation and two layers of asphalt concrete pavement, as well as an additional ramp for trucks.

The first stage of repairs to the Poshekhonye-Kukoboy-Baklanka road in the Yaroslavl Region has been completed. The work covered a section from the village of Kukoboy in the Pervomaysky District to the border with the Vologda Region. The road is 7 km long. The Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands is located in the village of Kukoboy. Furthermore, in 2024, the village was declared the birthplace of Baba Yaga, becoming a popular tourist destination.

Not only are roads to the "homes" of beloved fairytale characters being upgraded, but popular winter tourist destinations are also being renovated. For example, in the Murmansk Region, the final stage of modernization of the access road to the village of Teriberka was completed. In 2025, contractors brought 25 km of the road up to standard. This is a popular destination for local residents and visitors to the region, who come to see the northern lights and try to spot blue whales during a boat cruise along the Barents Sea coast. The road is nearly 41 km long. In 2025, the section from km 10 to km 20 was reconstructed. Road workers laid asphalt concrete pavement, reinforced slopes and ditches, and installed an effective drainage system. A major overhaul was completed on the section from km 20 to km 35 of the access road to Teriberka. The highway has been gradually brought up to standard since 2021. The entire road's surface was replaced with asphalt concrete. Furthermore, in some places, the road surface was raised by 3–6 meters, reducing snow accumulation during the winter.

Additionally, a section of the access road to the city of Apatity in the Murmansk Region was renovated. 3.5 kilometers of roadway were repaired. The highway is part of the route to Kirovsk. The city is located at the foot of the Khibiny Mountains, the largest mountain range on the Kola Peninsula. The popular Bolshoy Vudyavr ski resort is also located here.

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.

Financial news: 05.01.2026, 10-41 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A105DN0 (FSC RS BO6) were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

January 5, 2026, 10:41 AM

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the NCC (JSC) on 05.01.2026, 10:41 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 100.18) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1083.79 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 17.5%) of the security RU000A105DN0 (FSC RS BO6) were changed.

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.

Financial news: 05.01.2026, 10-49 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A1036S6 (FSC RS1R3) were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

January 5, 2026, 10:49 AM

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the NCC (JSC) on 05.01.2026, 10-49 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 92.8) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 997.83 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 18.75%) of the security RU000A1036S6 (FSC RS1R3) were changed.

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.