The Academy celebrated Christmas

Many Christians rush on this bright and holy night to the Church of God, like those wise men and shepherds to the Bethlehem cave to bring their gifts to Christ the Child.

Today God unites all His creation in common joy and fills human souls with the Divine light. Being the King of the universe, He came to the world as a meek and defenseless Baby. Warmed on this frosty night by the breath of domestic animals, Christ awaited the warmth from us. As the Gospel say, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me (Mat. 25:40).

In such extraordinary and incomprehensible miracle, the power of the Lord, which abolishes evil, overthrows hell and enlightens the darkness, is performed.

Let us enter the Bethlehem cave and sing festive hymns to the Lord, offer prayers, share the joy of the holiday with our neighbors and take part as faithful children at the Table of Life.

On January 6-7, Archimandrite Venedikt (Knyazev) celebrated the festive Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Academic Church co-served by the academic clergy.

Many guests of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra and the Academy attended the service.

Before the Communion, students from the countries of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa sang Christmas Carols in French and the hymn Ἁγνὴ Παρθένε in Greek.

Then, Hieromonk Varnava (Losev), Dean of the Intercession Church, read Christmas message from His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Kirill.

At the end of the service, Archimandrite Benedict congratulated the participants on Christmas and delivered a sermon.

On January 6, there were services of the Great Compline, the Polyeleos Matins and the First Hour at the Intercession Academic Church performed by the academic clergy.

Archimandrite Benedict led the festive lithia after the Great Compline.

Background information:

Chanting performed by the first academic choir under the conduct of E.V. Borovinsky.

MThA Press Office