WASHINGTON, February 21st, 2004 (RIA Novosti correspondent Vasily Voropayev) - The Russian embassy in Washington marked Shrovetide, a celebration of the end of winter dating back to pre-Christian times, on Friday.

When opening the party, Russian Ambassador to the United States Yuri Ushakov reminded those present that the Shrovetide celebration was one of the most beautiful Russian traditions.

According to the embassy's press service, this traditional holiday has been marked by the embassy for many years now, but this time it is a special holiday: it was organised by both representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow partriarchate) and representatives of the Russian Foreign Church (until recently, there were no contacts between these churches).

The Shrovetide celebration in the Russian embassy in Washington pursued the charity goal. The raised funds will be channeled to low-income families in Russia.

The Shrovetide celebration in the Russian embassy was organised by St. Nicholas Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church and St. John the Forerunner Cathedral of the Russian Foreign Church.