Patriarch Kirill celebrates in Theatre Square in downtown Lugansk

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On September 15, 2011, the commemoration day of Sts Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Theatre Square in downtown Lugansk. His was assisted by a great assembly of bishops and priests.

During the the Lesser Entrance, Patriarch Kirill granted Archpriest Basily Somik, secretary of the Lugansk diocesan administration, the right to wear a Patriarchal cross in recognition of his long-standing pastoral service.

After the Reading of the Gospel, the Primate of the Russian Church delivered a sermon.

Among those present at the service were V. Pristiuk, head of the Lugansk regional administration, V. Golenko, chairman of the Lugansk regional council. Lugansk Mayor S. Kravchenko, V. Filipp, Russian consul general in Kharkov, and A. Yefremov, Ukraine people’s deputy. The local law enforcement estimated the attendance at about 15 thousand.

After the liturgy, Patriarch Kirill was greeted by Metropolitan Ioanniky of Lugansk and Governor V. Pristiuk, who presented His Holiness with an icon of Our Lady the Adoration.

Patriarch Kirill addressed himself to the congregation with a primatial homily. He presented Metropolitan Ioanniky with a pectoral icon. Small icons of the Saviour Not-Made-With-Hands were distributed among the faithful.

The service was broadcast live by the Lugansk television. The liturgy was commented both in Russian and Ukrainian.

Patriarchal Press Service/DECR Communication Service

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Patriarch Kirill celebrates in Theatre Square in downtown Lugansk

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons