On Sunday of Orthodoxy His Holiness Patriarch Kirill celebrates Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow

On 8^th March 2020, first Sunday of Lent, of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, commemoration day of the first (4th century) and second (452) finding of the head of St. John the Baptist, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia celebrated the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great and the Rite of the Triumph of Orthodoxy at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow.

Concelebrating with His Holiness was an assembly of hierarchs and clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches: Metropolitan Niphon of Philippopolis of the Orthodox Church of Antioch; Bishop Antonije of Moravica of the Serbian Orthodox Church; Archimandrite Seraphim (Shemyatovsky) of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia; and Archpriest Daniel Andrejuk of the Orthodox Church in America

Among those present were H.E. Mr. Andreas Zenonos, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to the Russian Federation; H.E. Mr. Peter Priputen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to the Russian Federation; heads of diplomatic missions and diplomats from a number of countries of the Orthodox tradition.

During the Litany of Fervent Supplication prayers were lifted up for the unity of the Orthodox Church and for the protection of the Church from divisions and schisms.

After the Litany of Fervent Supplication His Holiness Patriarch Kirill said a prayer for peace in Ukraine.

The Liturgy was followed by the Rite of the Triumph of Orthodoxy.

Then the Primate of the Russian Church addressed the flock with a homily.

During a brotherly repast after the divine service, Metropolitan Niphon of Philippopolis (Patriarchate of Antioch) greeted His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on behalf of the representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches to the Moscow Patriarchal Throne.

“Celebrating the Feast of the Triumph of Orthodoxy in Moscow, we, representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches to your Throne, rejoice together with you and your holy Church over this historical event – the ancient feat of defending veneration of icons and the triumph of doctrine,” the hierarch said, “The Russian Church celebrates this feast with the unique church rite. Please be assured, Your Holiness, that we are overcome with emotions by concelebrating this feast with you in your capital city.”

“Today the whole Orthodox world is united by this great feast. It is a strong wish of all of us that the unity of the Orthodox Churches may be given pride of place at all our celebrations and feasts!” Metropolitan Niphon continued.

He mentioned that a more recent historical event had become yet another triumph of Orthodoxy – the fall of state atheism after over seventy years of persecution of the Russian Orthodox Church. “Your Holiness, you played a very important role in that victory owing to your sermons and speeches both in Russia and abroad, as well as to your service as rector of the Leningrad Theological Academy. In doctrine and patriotism, you strengthened those who later became the future of the Church. Your vivid personality, your love for Christ kindled faith in those who listened to you or read your works. And to this day your zeal in defending the Righteousness and Truth commands deep respect, helping many people withstand temptations of today’s world,” Vladyka Niphon added.

Press Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

DECR Communication Service

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On Sunday of Orthodoxy His Holiness Patriarch Kirill celebrates Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow

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