The Holy Synod renders decision concerning Bishop Irineu (Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America) oca.org

The Holy Synod renders decision concerning Bishop Irineu (Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America) SYOSSET, NY [OCA] During their annual retreat held in Michigan on June 19-23, 2017, the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America held a special session convening the Synodal Court which canonically deposed the Bishop Irineu [Duvlea], Auxiliary Bishop of the ROEA, from the status and all sacred functions of the episcopacy, removed him from the ranks of the clergy, and returned him to the status of a lay monk. The letter of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon to the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America reads as follows. ARCHPASTORAL LETTER TO THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX EPISCOPATE OF AMERICA June 27, 2017 06/017 To the Clergy, Monastics and Faithful of the Romanian Episcopate, May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America has concluded its retreat, held during the past week at Holy Dormition Monastery, Rives Junction, Michigan. One of the most difficult tasks of that meeting was the convening of the Synodal Court at St. Demetrius Orthodox Church in Jackson, Michigan, to hear certain charges relating to canonical infractions brought against the Auxiliary Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, His Grace, Bishop Irineu. After much prayerful and intense deliberation, the Synodal Court determined that Bishop Irineu be deposed from the episcopacy, removed from the ranks of the clergy and returned to the status of a simple monk. (His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel, Archbishop of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, was excused from participating in the decision of the Synodal Court due to illness and did not vote in the deliberations, placing his trust that the Holy Spirit would guide his fellow bishops. He was notified of the Synodal decision after it was rendered.) The details of matters which led to the convening of the Synodal Court are confidential and will not be released publicly. The Holy Synod made this decision with much sorrow, but with the conviction that it was a necessary action both for the salvation of the now Monk Irineu and for the preservation of the good order and stability of the flock of Christ. At the same time, we offer our prayers for the faithful, especially the members of the Romanian Episcopate of the Orthodox Church in America. The bishops have a God-given responsibility to address the good order of the Church and the continuing leadership and oversight by brother bishops. We are bound to this primarily by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and by the canonical tradition of the Church. Therefore, we must always take matters concerning bishops seriously and respond in the proper pastoral way for all concerned. We offer our love and concern for the faithful of the Romanian Episcopate. We exhort you to pray, so as to not be overcome by divisive emotions, but rather seek to attain the peace of Christ. May our merciful and loving God strengthen all of us to do His will in all things and preserve in our hearts the grace of the Holy Spirit, who is everywhere present and fills all things. Sincerely yours in Christ, + Tikhon Archbishop of Washington Metropolitan of All America and Canada

Theophan the Recluse conference Tambov

e scientific conference "The Life and Works of St. Theophan the Recluse in History and Modernity" will be held in Moscow and Tambov Научная конференция «Жизнь и труды святителя Феофана Затворника в истории и современности» пройдет в Москве и Тамбове print version June 13, 2017 18:17 June 16, 2017 in the Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow will host the plenary meeting of the scientific conference "Life and Works of St. Theophan the Recluse in the history and the present." June 22 will be held in Tambov plenary and thematic sections. Co-organizers of the forum are the Publishing Council and the Tambov archdiocese . The main theme of the conference this year is the administrative and pastoral activity of St. Theophanes at Tambov and Vladimir Chairs. The Tambov Department became the first, where St. Theophanes performed bishop's service. Here his talent blossomed outstanding preacher Archbishop, have developed his basic theological ideas, here he began a correspondence with some of his correspondents here have been committed in his soul the final turn to the reclusive life. Archpastoral ministry at the Vladimir Department became a continuation of his formation as a preacher, theologian and spiritual mentor. The contribution made by the saint into the spiritual and administrative organization of the departments he occupies is invaluable. The main goals and objectives of the conference are to show and analyze the significance of the spiritual achievement and the theological heritage of St. Theophanes for the Russian Church, as well as for the Russian science and culture in the past and present, while paying special attention to the importance of his works at the Tambov and Vladimir Chairs. It is planned to demonstrate the results of the research achieved within the framework of the preparation of the "Complete collection of the works of St. Theophan the Recluse", "Chronicles of the life and creations of St. Theophanes" and other publications dedicated to St. Theophanes, to identify new directions of research work in the framework of Feofan themes, to discuss various aspects of interaction Church and secular scientists in terms of implementing these tasks. The conference will be attended by the bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, members of the Scientific and Editorial Board for the preparation of the Complete Collection of St. Theophan the Recluse and other representatives of the church and secular academic science: theologians, patrologists, historians, philologists, textologists, archivists - professors, researchers from the Moscow Theological Academy , metropolia Tambov, Tambov and Ryazan Theological seminary, Moscow state pedagogical University, Petrozavodsk st udarstvennogo University Ryazan State University named after S. A. Esenina. The opening of the conference will be held in the Great Assembly Hall of the Publishing Council. The beginning of the plenary session at 10.00. The work of the conference will be covered in general church and diocesan, as well as in special and regional mass media. The press release and the program of the scientific conference "The Life and Works of St. Theophan the Recluse - in History and Modernity", the preparatory materials and information on its work, as well as the reports made during it, will be available on the websites of the Publishing Council ( izdatsovet.ru ) And the Complete Collection of the creations of St. Theophanes, the Recluse of Vyshensky ( theophanica.ru ).

A Delegation of the Russian Church Abroad Meets with President Putin moscow patriarchate

A Delegation of the Russian Church Abroad Meets with President Putin On May 25, 2017, the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia performed the rite of the great consecration of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ and the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia in Sretensky Stavropighial Monastery in Moscow, and officiated at the celebration of Divine Liturgy that followed. Attending the services was Russian President Vladimir Putin. After Liturgy, His Holiness met with bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia headed by His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York. ddressing Metropolitan Hilarion and the delegation of the Russian Church Abroad, President Putin said: I wish to express my heartfelt greetings to you and my great gratitude for what you are doing for the Russian people living abroad. But more than that: for your efforts, too, towards the full-fledged reestablishment of unity within the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. This is extraordinarily important for our people, for our nation, and for those countries where you live and work. This is because living spiritual bonds are very important, especially in today’s complicated world, which is filled with contradictions. Today I spoke of the unity of the Russian Orthodox Church; we can also talk about unity in a broader sense, in a humanitarian sense. Especially since all the world’s religions are based on so-called traditional values which you specifically defend. I wish to tell you that you are always welcome guests, not even guests, you are hosts here. We are always happy to see you in Russia. Many thanks to you! In response, Metropolitan Hilarion thanked the President of Russia for his service to the benefit of the Russian people, and gave him a gift of a painted icon of St Jonah of Hankow, telling him about the holy man’s life.

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem condemns actions aimed against canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church pravmir

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem condemns actions aimed against canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church Source: DECR admin | 08 June 2017 Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem condemns actions aimed against canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church Photo: http://www.pravoslavie.ru/ Primate of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia hopes anti-Church bills will be withdrawn from Supreme Rada agenda Priests, flock of Ukrainian Orthodox Church rally in front of Ukrainian parliament against bill on ‘special status’ of their church ‘The unity of the Church is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to cherish and strengthen it. Any violation of this unity is a grave crime. Using this opportunity, we resolutely condemn those who are engaged in actions aimed against the parishes of the canonical Ukrainian Church in Ukraine’, His Beatitude Theophilos III of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine state. Addressing those present at the grand reception held in the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission on June 5, 2017, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem stressed, ‘It is not for nothing that holy fathers remind us that any disruption of the unity of the Church, any schism is the gravest sin… May the Holy Spirit Who descended on this day on the disciples of Christ enlighten our minds and hearts and give us strength to preserve the precious gift of the unity of the Church entrusted to us by divine providence’. As was reported earlier, the Ukrainian Supreme Rada was to consider Bills No. 4128 and No. 4511. Bill No. 4128 “On making amendments to the Ukrainian Law ‘On the Freedom of Conscience and on Religious Organizations’” (concerning a change in the subordination of religious organizations) proposes to introduce in the religious legislation a vague notion of ‘a person’s belonging to a religious community’ on the basis of some ‘self-identification’. Those who ‘belong to a religious community, whoever may claim this title, are to be granted a right to change the statute of the community by simple majority vote. Actually, the bill proposes to legalize the practice of fictitious ‘referendums’ with the participation of all the residents of a settlement (and, possibly, also newcomers) who claim to belong to this religious community. Bill No. 4511 ‘On the special status of religious organizations the governing centers of which are located in the state recognized by the Supreme Rada as aggressor state’ proposes to impose on all the communities whose canonical centers are located in Russia (that is, primarily the communities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church) some ‘special status’ that involves a considerable deprivation of human rights. In addition to the compulsory re-registration of all the communities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – which will inevitably provoke new captures of churches and clashes between the faithful of different confessions – the bill will give the governmental bodies of a secular state the broadest possible powers to control the internal life of religious communities, namely, to confirm the appointment of community leaders, to permit or forbid visits of religious leaders from other countries and to forcibly liquidate religious communities on a wide range of grounds. The bills have provoked a sharp reaction in society and have received negative evaluation by Ukrainian religious leaders, secular experts and human rights advocates. Hundreds of thousands of signatures against these legislative initiatives were collected within only a few days. In connection with this situation, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has sent letters to the heads of the Normandy Four states, primates of Local Orthodox Churches, Pope Francis of Rome, UN secretary general and the secretary general of the World Council of Churches. Stating his evaluation of the proposed bills, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria stressed in his response their anti-church nature. His Beatitude John, Patriarch of Antioch, on his part, has condemned the attempts to adopt in the Ukrainian Supreme Rada these bills aimed against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. His Holiness Irenaeus, Patriarch of Serbia, described the proposed amendments to the Ukrainian legislation as discriminatory towards the faithful of the canonical Church. The Primate of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia has called to withdraw Bills No. 4128 and No. 4511 from consideration. In connection with the attempts to adopt anti-church laws in Ukraine, solidarity with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been expressed by the Holy See. Profound concern has also been expressed by the World Council of Churches. On May 18, 2017, when it was planned to put these bills to the vote, thousands-strong vigil took place at the Supreme Rada’s walls. It was led by His Beatitude Onufry, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine. On that day, the consideration of the amendments to the Ukrainian legislation did not take place.

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill headed a solemn meeting on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill headed a solemn meeting on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society Святейший Патриарх Кирилл возглавил торжественное заседание по случаю 135-летия Императорского православного палестинского общества print version June 2, 2017 19:06 June 2, 2017 in the Hall of Church Councils of Christ the Savior in Moscow held IV report-back election conference of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society and the solemn meeting in honor of the 135th anniversary of the oldest international non-governmental organization. The solemn meeting was attended by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, who heads the Committee of Honorary Members of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society. In the presidium of the meeting also attended: Patriarchal governor of the Moscow diocese Metropolitan Krutitsky and Kolomna Yuvenaly ; Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation The Medina; Chairman of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society S.V. Stepashin; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the IOPS, Chairman and President of PJSC "Transneft" NP Tokarev. S.V. Stepashin welcomed the audience and read out the greetings of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin and the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation D.A. Medvedev . The word to the participants of the meeting addressed the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill. The gift of the Imperial Palestinian society His Holiness gave a copy of the picture GI Semiradsky's "Christ at Martha and Mary." S.V. Stepashin thanked His Holiness the Patriarch for his participation in the ceremony and presented His Holiness with the painting "The Church of the Holy Sepulcher", created by Anastasia Artemieva, a student of the Moscow Academic Art Institute. IN AND. Surikov. At the solemn meeting devoted to the 135th anniversary of the IOPS, were: Minister of Culture of Russia V.R. The Medina; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation M.L. Bogdanov, who read out the text of the greeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia SV Lavrov ; Minister of Tourism and Historic Monuments of the State of Palestine Rula Maaya, who read out the greeting of the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas; The head of the Russian and Novo-Nakhichevan diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Ezras Nersisyan, who read the greetings of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II ; representative of the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East at the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia , Metropolitan Filippopolskiy Nifon ; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the IOPS N.P. Tokarev; Deputy Head of the Department of National Policy and Interregional Relations of Moscow, K.L. Blessed are they who read the greeting from the mayor of Moscow SS Sobyanin ; Chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the IOPS, General Director of the State Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky; Hero of Russia cosmonaut S.A. Volkov. A video greeting was also shown to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, S.V. Lavrov. Deputy Chairman of the IOPS, IOPS representative in the Holy Land, I.R. Ashurbeyli donated a part of the relics of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Queen Helena to the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society. The meeting was attended by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate Financial and Economic Department, Metropolitan Mark of Ryazan and Mikhailovsky , Chairman of the Synodal Committee for Interaction with the Cossacks, Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssky , Metropolitan of Tver , Bishop of Taurus of Barnaul and Altai , head of the Moscow Patriarchate by foreign institutions Bishop Bogorodsky NTON , deputy chairman of the DECR MP Archpriest Nikolai Balashov , the hierarchs and clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church. The meeting was also attended by state and public figures, friends and partners IOPS, delegates and guests from more than 40 Russian and foreign representative offices IOPS. At the end of the official part of the event, a concert and reception took place. The Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society was established on June 3, 1882 by decree of Emperor Alexander III on the public initiative of state and church figures and representatives of the Romanov House. The first chairman of the Society was the Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich, and after his death the Society was headed by his wife Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna. Throughout its history, the Palestinian society has been carrying out humanitarian, educational, peacekeeping and scientific missions aimed at preserving Russia's spiritual ties with the Holy Land, the heritage of Russian Palestine, strengthening Russian Orthodox presence in the biblical region, and developing friendly relations with countries and peoples inhabiting such Important for the destinies of the world region. Historical traditions are preserved and multiplied in modern conditions, IOPS action program is being successfully implemented in the Middle East. The Society carries out humanitarian and educational projects, returns the once-lost Russian property, defends the rights of Christians, renders humanitarian assistance to the suffering population of Syria, is engaged in pilgrimage, scientific and publishing activities.

The Opening of the Relics of Our Father Among the Saints Mardarije in midwest US

The Opening of the Relics of Our Father Among the Saints Mardarije With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Longin of New Gracanica and Midwestern America, the relics of St. Mardarije, which have laid in the Church of St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville, Illinois, since his internment in December 1935, were uncovered. The opening revealed St. Mardarije’s holy relics to be incorrupt. On Thursday, May 4, 2017, His Grace Bishop Longin served Divine Liturgy at St. Sava Monastery with Sindjel Serafim (Milojkovic), Priest Nikolaj Kostur and Hierodeacon Nektarije (Tesanovic), in preparation for uncovering the relics. Following the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Longin and the other clergy served a Moleban with the Akathist written to St. Mardarije. Upon completion, the crew organized to remove the tombstone and flooring in order to exhume the relics arrived, under the guidance of Mr. Dusan Djordjevic of Sveta Gora Funeral Home in Chicago. After removal of the stone, it was revealed that the casket of St. Mardarije was in a cement vault. This caused the opening to be delayed one additional day in order to organize a team to open the vault. On Friday morning, May 5, 2017, the workers broke the seal of the vault, while Priest Nikolaj Kostur and Heirodeacon Nektarije (Tesanovic) served a Moleban to St. Mardarije at the tomb in the presence of Bishop Longin and Hieromonk Serafim (Milojkovic). Throughout the entire process of exhumation, “Christ is Risen” and other Paschal hymns were sung, both in Serbian and Russian tones, knowing St. Mardarije’s deep love and dedication to both Slavic traditions. Once the seal of the vault was broken, every effort was taken to lift the cover. During this process, the cover of the vault shifted and fell on the casket, breaking its cover. At this moment, a sweet smelling fragrance arose from the tomb, quickly dissipating. However, it became evident that the Saint was buried facing the west instead of east. This in and of itself is miraculous. It manifested the Providence of God. Had St. Mardarije been buried in the proper direction, the vault cover would have fallen on the side of the casket where his holy head rested. It was visible that his feet had decayed and were bones. Frs. Serafim and Nikolaj lifted the relics out of the tomb during the singing of “Christ is Risen.” The relics were light in weight and easily placed in a temporary metal coffin. Hereupon the feet were examined, which at this point were the only visible part of the remains. The bones of the feet were goldish-yellow in color. Then, Fr. Nikolaj Kostur proceeded to examine the mid-section of the body. St. Mardarije’s Holy hands were holding the cross which was firmly in place and immovable. As Fr. Nikolaj pulled back the sleeve of the saccos, it was revealed that the hands of St. Mardarije were completely intact. Clearly visible were his skin, fingernails and hair. At this point, it was evident that the relics were more than just bones. The holy relics of St. Mardarije were lifted out of the metal coffin and placed on two tables which were prepared for the examination and washing of the holy relics. All of the vestments and clothing were carefully removed, cutting that which could not easily be taken off in order to not disturb the holy relics. Most reverent and diligent care and utmost attention were given to the work that was being done; the clergy continuously sang the troparion to St. Mardarije and other Paschal hymns. After all the vestments were removed, it was revealed that the holy relics, from the knee upward, were intact, although very fragile. The Saint’s anatomy was intact with his skin and hair visible. When the mitre was removed, his long, dark hair flowed out, confirming his continued monastic struggle until the end of his days. The hair on his head and beard looked as though he had just reposed; it was very soft. The eyebrows and eyelashes of his closed eyes were visible. Also, his ears were still intact. The body was easily lifted and moved. There was a great deal of dust which had accumulated in the grave from the nearly eighty-two years since the burial. Upon the removal of the dust from the entire body, the holy relics were washed with warm water and white wine. Hereupon spikenard oil was was used to anoint the body, according to the instructions received from the Holy Monastery of Hilandar. After the anoninting, the color of the skin changed from tan to a dark brown. After the washing and anointing, the legs, hands and torso were all wrapped in cotton and linen, making the holy relics more easily movable. Following this process, the holy relics were temporarily vested in a stiharion until his vesting takes place before his Glorification in July 2017. His face was covered with linen, and he was returned to the temporary metal coffin and covered. Truly, God is wondrous in His Saints, showing us all His Divine power and that nature is subject to God’s grace. All of those that partook in this experience, from the clergy to the workers, were moved with the joy and spiritual peace that filled the church during the uncovering of the holy relics. St. Mardarije lives on, not only in his legacy, but now through his incorrupt relics which will be a renewed rudder for the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America, guiding us to move into the future, being directed by the past. May we follow St. Mardarije on the path of St. Sava, which lead him to sanctity. Our Holy Hierarch, Father Mardarije, pray unto God for us! Christ is risen! Priest Nikolaj Kostur Chairman of the Liturgical Sub-Committee for the Glorification of St. Mardarije

On the Feast of the Cathedral of the New Martyrs, in Butovo, the Primate of the Russian Church performed the Liturgy on the Butovo landfill mp

On the Feast of the Cathedral of the New Martyrs, in Butovo, the Primate of the Russian Church performed the Liturgy on the Butovo landfill mp On the Feast of the Cathedral of the New Martyrs, in Butovo, the Primate of the Russian Church performed the Liturgy on the Butovo landfill В праздник Собора новомучеников, в Бутове пострадавших, Предстоятель Русской Церкви совершил Литургию на Бутовском полигоне print version May 13, 2017 14:42 On May 13, 2017, on the Feast of the New Martyrs' Council in Butovo, the victims (a passing celebration on the 4th Saturday after Easter), His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the open air at Butovskiy polygon - the place of mass shootings and burial of victims of political repressions , Including many clerics and laity, now glorified in the congregation of the New Martyrs. On the Butovo landfill was brought the ark with particles of the relics of all the new martyrs and confessors of the Russian Church, whose remains were found in the years of the revival of church life. In the year of the 100th anniversary of the 1917 revolution, the ark with the relics of the New Martyrs and Confessors will be brought to all the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church in Russia. During the Liturgy His Holiness was co-served by: Metropolitan Juvenaly of Krutitsy and Kolomna , Patriarchal governor of the Moscow diocese; Metropolitan Istra Arseny , First Vicar of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia in Moscow; Archbishop Evgeny Vereisky , Chairman of the Educational Committee of the Russian Orthodox Church; Archbishop Feghnost of Sergiev Posad , chairman of the Synodal Department for Monasteries and Monasticism , governor of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra ; Archbishop Sergiy of Solnechnogorsk , head of the Administrative Secretariat of the Moscow Patriarchate; Bishop Ilyan (Vostryakov) ; Bishop Guri (Shalimov) ; Bishop Vidnovsky Tikhon ; Bishop Dmitrovsky Theophylact , governor of St. Andrew's Stauropegial Monastery ; Bishop Jerome (Chernyshov) ; Bishop Tikhon of Podolsky ; Bishop Orekhovo-Zuevsky Panteleimon , chairman of the Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Service ; Bishop of the Resurrection Savva , first deputy administrator of the affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate, governor of the Novospassky stauropegial monastery ; Bishop Nikolai of Balashikha ; Bishop Constantine of Zaraisk ; Bishop Bronnitsky Paramon , governor of the Don Stavropigial Monastery ; Bishop Peter Lukhovitsky ; Protopriest Vladimir Divakov , secretary of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia in Moscow; Archimandrite Alexy (Polikarpov) , the governor of Danilov, a stauropegic monastery ; Archpriest Mikhail Ryazantsev , key-holder of the cathedral church of Christ the Savior of Moscow; Protopriest Nikolai Balashov , Deputy Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations ; Protopriest Mikhail Egorov, Secretary of the Moscow Regional Diocesan Administration ; Archimandrite Nestor (Zhilyaev), Dean of the Odintsovo District of the Moscow Diocese; Protopriest Alexander Ageykin , rector of the Epiphany Cathedral in Moscow; Protopriest Dimitry Smirnov , Chairman of the Patriarchal Commission for Family, Maternity and Childhood Protection ; Protopriest Kirill Kaleda, Rector of the Church of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia at Butovo Range ; The clergy of Moscow and the Moscow region. The divine service was attended by: Chairman of the Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, M.A. Fedotov; Head of the Leninsky Municipal District of the Moscow Region O.V. Khromov. Liturgy was prayed for by the abbesses and inhabitants of a number of women's monasteries of the Russian Orthodox Church, numerous pilgrims from Moscow and the Moscow region. Liturgical hymns were performed by the choir of the Orthodox St. Tikhon Humanitarian University (regent TI Koroleva). Divine service was broadcast live on Soyuz . After a special litany, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church offered a prayer for peace in Ukraine. Then, there were petitions for the repose of the souls of the deceased servants of God, "for the faith and the truth, terrible suffering and torture during the years of persecution and persecution of the Church of Christ endured, afflicted and killed, from disease, grief and cold, in dungeons and bonds and in this martyrdom Their deceased archpastors, pastors, monastics and laity, their names are You, Lord, are weights. " Preacher before the communion spoke abbot Peter (Eremeev) , the governor of the High-Petrovsky stauropegial monastery . At the end of the Liturgy, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill performed a moleben to the holy new martyrs and confessors of the Russian Church and the funeral litany for all those who died and were buried at the Butovo landfill. The rector of the church on the Butovskiy proving ground, Protopriest Kirill Kaleda, greeted His Holiness and presented His Holiness with a red miter. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia addressed the believers with the First-Hierarchal Word . As a gift to the rector of the Church of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, the Primate of the Russian Church handed over the Easter egg.