Solemn divine service at the Monument to the Baptizer of Russia in Kiev

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia, during his visit to Ukraine for the celebrations on the occasion of the 1020^th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia, is concelebrating with His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on 27 July 2008 on St. Vladimir’s Mount in down town Kiev.

Among their Concelebrants are His Beatitude Archbishop Hieronimos II of Athens and All Greece, His Beatitude Archbishop Ahastasios of Tirana and All Albania, His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev and All Ukraine, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as well as numerous archpastors from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and representatives of Local Orthodox Churches.

Ukrainian President V. Yuschenko is also present at the service.

The Divine Liturgy is celebrated at the Monument to the Holy Prince Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles. This monument was erected in 1853. The magnificent figure of the holy prince with a cross in his right hand and a prince’s cap in the left hand is placed on a brick pedestal with cast-iron facing. At the pediment there is a high-relief picture of the baptism of the Kievan people, the insignia of the Order of St. Vladimir as well as symbols of baptism by ‘fire and sword’ and the figure of the Archangel Michael. The sculpture is 20,5 meters high.

Thousands of people of Kiev and other regions in Ukraine as well as guests from abroad have assembled for the solemn divine service on St. Vladimir’s Hill. The service is broadcast to large screens placed in various parts of the park. The Divine Liturgy is also broadcast live by several TV channels.

DECR Communication Service.

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• Solemn divine service at the Monument to the Baptizer of Russia in Kiev