This year, the main Orthodox holiday, Easter, will be celebrated online for the first time in history. Amid a pandemic, parishioners in many countries were banned from attending churches and services. The descent of the Holy Fire took place behind closed doors for the first time in 10 centuries.
Russians will be able to watch the live broadcast of the service from the Cathedral of Christ the Savior on several TV channels. The Orthodox were instructed how to consecrate Easter cakes, eggs and cheese paskha while maintaining social distancing.
The service will be conducted by Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Kirill. The service will begin at 23.30, the broadcast will be conducted by the TV channels Pervyi, Russia 1, NTV and Spas and the website of the Russian Orthodox Church, RIA Novosti informs.
According to the tradition, the patriarch will conduct the Easter morning service and Divine Liturgy.
"Before the start of the service, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church will congratulate the viewers with the Holy Resurrection," the patriarchate specified.
In many Russian regions, including Moscow, Moscow Region, St. Petersburg, all churches are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Russian Orthodox Church asked the congregation to pray at home and not to attend churches in connection with the epidemiological situation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who usually attends the solemn service, will stay at home this year.
In the evening, the Holy Fire from Jerusalem was delivered to Moscow. Despite the current obstacles, the shrine accompanies the holiday as usual.
