Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia led traditional Easter services overnight into Sunday at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, presiding over a series of solemn ceremonies marking one of the most important holidays in the Orthodox Christian calendar.

The service included the midnight office, a ceremonial procession around the cathedral, matins, and the Divine Liturgy. Among those in attendance were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, alongside government officials, public figures, and cultural representatives.

In keeping with long-standing tradition, the Holy Fire was brought to the cathedral from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Patriarch Kirill lit candles from the flame and shared it with worshippers before leading a procession around the church.

During the liturgy, the Gospel was read in 11 languages, including Hebrew, Church Slavonic, Russian, Ukrainian, Ossetian, Italian, English, and French, highlighting the international scope of Orthodox Christianity. The service featured performances by the Patriarchal Choir and was broadcast on national television.

In his address, Patriarch Kirill described the recent transfer of the Vladimir and Don icons of the Mother of God from the State Tretyakov Gallery to the Russian Orthodox Church as a historic event. He expressed gratitude to the head of state for facilitating the move.

Concluding the service, the Patriarch delivered a message emphasizing the spiritual significance of Christ’s Resurrection, calling on believers to live according to faith and good deeds. He urged worshippers to reflect on their actions, practice forgiveness, and take responsibility for their lives, stating that “evil and salvation are incompatible.”

The праздничное (festive) service concluded with the blessing of the artos bread and Easter greetings to the faithful.