The Russian Orthodox Church
Department for External Church Relations
Department for External Church Relations
The Russian Orthodox Church
Department for External Church Relations
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The Choir of the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and Moscow Theological Academy performed at the Feast of the Cross in Ethiopia
On September 26, a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church, led by Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov), Secretary of the DECR for Inter-Christian Relations, and Abbess Elizabeth (Pozdnyakova) of the Martha and Mary Convent of Mercy in Moscow, participated in the celebrations dedicated to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, known as "Meskel," at the invitation of His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of Ethiopia. This holiday is traditionally celebrated at the national level in Ethiopia. In Addis Ababa, public celebrations take place in the central square of the city, named after the Cross (Meskel). They begin with a prayer service, after which members of numerous parishes, Sunday schools, church and state musical ensembles perform hymns dedicated to the Holy Cross and the feast of the Exaltation.
The delegation from Russia included the United Choir of the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and the Moscow Theological Academy, conducted by Hieromonk Nestor (Volkov), co-chairs of the International Organization "Union of Orthodox Women," N.V. Dmitrieva and E.A. Sipagina, and representatives of the autonomous non-profit organization "Russian Seasons."
In the presence of His Holiness Abune Mathias, President of Ethiopia S. Zewde, Mayor of Addis Ababa A. Abebe, Minister of Culture and Sports Sh. Shanka, representatives of the diplomatic corps, members of the Holy Synod, clergy, and tens of thousands of believers of the Ethiopian Church, the choir from Russia performed church hymns dedicated to the Holy Cross. This was the choir's second participation in these celebrations, with the first occurring in 2023.
Both performances received significant attention and were broadcast on central and regional television channels in Ethiopia.
The visit of the United Choir of the Holy Trinity Lavra of Sergius and the Moscow Theological Academy to Ethiopia was made possible with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation as part of the events of the Days of Spiritual Culture of Russia in this country.
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