Orthodox Churches

The Epitaphios Service at the Phanar

On Holy Friday, April 13, 2012, His All-Holiness presided over the Epitaphios Service together with Archbishop Leo of Finland, Metropolitans Geron Constantine of Nicaea, Augustine of Germany, Demetrios of Sebasteia, Joseph of Proikonnisos, Meliton of Philadelphia, Theoliptos of Iconium, Yurij of Winnipeg, Kallistos of Diokleia, and Bishop Gregory of Mesaoria, at the Patriarchal of St. George.

Bishop Nestor lays the foundation of a new church dedicated to the Nativity of Virgin Mary at the Russian Seminary in Paris

On April 15, 2012, the Pascha of Christ, Bishop Nestor of Chersonese attended the Great Vespers at the chapel of the Russian Seminary in Paris. The rector of the seminary, Father Alexander Sinyakov celebrated, assisted by professors and students in holy orders.

In conclusion of the vespers, the clergy and worshippers went in a procession with the cross to the place in the seminary’s park where a wooden church dedicated to the Nativity of Virgin Mary is to be built. Bishop Nestor celebrated the rite of the laying of foundation for the new church, the website of the Diocese of Chersonese has reported.

Metropolitan Hilarion celebrates at Sts Cosmas and Damian’s-at-Shubino in Moscow

On April 7, 2012, the Day of the Annunciation, which this year has coincided with Lazarus Saturday, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, head of the Department for External Church Relation, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Sts Cosmas and Damian the Unmercenary and Wonder-Workers at Shubino in Moscow. It was also the day when the church celebrated the patronal feast of its central altar.

Paschal Message of His Holiness Kirril Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

Paschal Message of His Holiness KIRILL Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia to the Archpastors, Pastors, Deacons, Monastics and All the Faithful Children of the Russian Orthodox Church

Beloved in the Lord Your Graces the archpastors, all-honourable presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters!

Patriarch Kirill greets Patriarch Irinej of Serbia on the occasion of Glory-Giving Day

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, in his letter to His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, Archbishop of Pec and Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovcy, greeted him on the occasion of Baptismal Glory, the day when the memory of the patron saint of a family is celebrated.

Memorial Service for late Hierarchs

On Sunday, April 1, 2012, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Myra presided over a memorial service, together with Metropolitan Theoliptos of Iconium and Stephanos of Kallioupolis and Maditon, in memory of late Hierarchs of the Throne.

The service was held at the Patriarchal Church of St. George and was followed by a reception in the Patriarchal Hall.