Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate what is most sacred day of the year for them: Easter. A major service was held in Moscow's main cathedral, in the presence of thousands of people, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
The faithful waited in long lines before the Cathedral "Christ the savior" to attend Mass led by Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church. Easter vigil ceremony began Saturday with a procession that lasted about 3 hours. In the fire service he lacked not holy, arrived in Russia from Jerusalem.
For ancient fire ceremony, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, people filled up the church of "Holy Sepulchre" in Jerusalem. Orthodox leaders of the Eastern Church will enter it into the compartment small tradition that marks the site of the tomb of Christ, after which come with lighted candles "wonderfully" with "holy fire" as a message to the faithful from heaven.
The data on the source of the flames kept secret, with greater fanaticism. Was the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, who lit some candles and then distributed them to the faithful waiting outside the church. The flames from the fire further transported by air to other parts of the world.
Catholics and Protestants celebrated Easter in March, as they use the Gregorian calendar, while Orthodox Church refers to the calculation of the Julian calendar this holiday.
