Orthodox Christians in Russia mark Christmas Eve Wed
MOSCOW. January 6. KAZINFORM Orthodox Christians all over Russia mark Christmas Eve on Wednesday. Christians conclude a four-week fast during which they confess their sins and receive communion. Divine services reminding one of the great event marking the advent of the new era are to be held closer to midnight; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia is to recite Christmas Eve liturgy in the Novospassky Monastery (the New Monastery of the Saviour). He will begin a nightly festive service in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour at ten p.m. In the evening of January 7, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church *ROC) will officiate Christmas Great Vespers; Kazinform has learnt from Itar-Tass.
Source: www.itar-tass.com