Patriarch Kirill celebrates the liturgy at the Church of Christ the Saviour
On January 21, 2015, before the 23d International Educational Christmas Readings began their work, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the cathedral Church of Christ the Saviour in Moscow.
He was assisted by over 100 hierarchs including members of the Holy Synod, leaders of the synodal departments, members of the Supreme Church Council and the Christmas Readings Organizing Committee. Among his concelebrants were the clergy participating in the Christmas Readings.
The service was attended by Mr. A. Beglov, Presidential Envoy of Central Russia, Mr. S. Zheleznyak, State Duma vice-chairman, Ms. S. Gavrilov, chairman of the State Duma Property Committee and coordinator of the State Duma Inter-faction Group for Christian Values, and Mr. V. Nikonov, chairman of the State Duma Education Committee.
After the Prayer of Fervent Supplication, Patriarch Kirill lifted up a prayer for peace in Ukraine.
Before the communion, Metropolitan Merkury of Rostov and Novocherkassk, head of the synodal department for education and catechism, read out the Patriarchal message devoted to the millennium of the demise of the Holy Prince Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles.
After the liturgy, His Holiness Kirill delivered a primatial homily, which was broadcast by the Soyuz TV channel.
Patriarchal Press Service
DECR Communication Service