On February 1, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.
The enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia took place on February 1, 2009 at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. He was elected to the Moscow Patriarchal Throne by the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church on January 27 of the same year.
– The Patriarchal Cross is difficult, and the symbol of this work is the great Patriarchal paraman. But at the same time, the Lord accompanies this service with great joys," said the Primate. – And the main joy for me is the opportunity to perform Divine Service in any temple of the Russian Orthodox Church, in any monastery, at the great shrines, to visit the wonderful holy places of our Church, coming into contact with the Divine grace flowing from those shrines, and giving my mind and my soul all that comes from real church life, to absorb these very important signals for the Patriarch, which come from the people, from the flock, from the archpastors, from the monastics. It is this spiritual flow that is the most important influence that exerts on the Patriarch.
An enthronement is a solemn ceremony during which the newly elected bishop is elevated to his see.
It is performed during the Liturgy with the newly elected hierarch wearing liturgical robes appropriate to his rank.
In the modern Orthodox Church, enthronement is performed in relation to both patriarchs and Primates of Local or Autonomous Churches with the rank of metropolitan or archbishop.
By tradition, the enthronement of His Holiness the Patriarch is celebrated as a church-wide holiday.
The editors of the Global Ortodox project congratulate His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on the anniversary of his enthronement and wish him God's help in his ministry as Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church!