Mikhail Klimentyev/AP Photo

Judging by these two photos featuring Vladimir Putin, the Russian president seems to have scared the living daylights out of a young boy at a mass in Russia's Southern Federal District.

While attending an overnight service at Holy Trinity St. George Monastery in Sochi , a city in Krasnodar Krai, Russia, Putin whispered something to the boy who was crouched near his feet. Whatever he said, it clearly left a lasting impression.

Users on the website Reddit have gone wild with speculation on what the 60-year-old head of state may have said, ranging from his imposter status to the death of Santa.

"I'm not Vladimir Putin, the real one is dead," one user wrote. Another speculated that Putin uttered, "I killed Santa with my bare hands."

Or perhaps it was a "Star Wars"-like moment, with the leader telling the boy, "I am your father," some imagined.