On February 1, 2026, the Russian Orthodox Church prayerfully commemorated the 17th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’. Prayers were offered in all churches and monasteries for the Primate of the Church, elected to the Moscow Patriarchal Throne at the 2009 Local Council.
On this significant day, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill served the Divine Liturgy in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, wearing his enthronement vestments and carrying a replica of St. Peter’s staff.
Upon arrival at the church before the service, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church venerated the relics of Saint Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow.
Among the archpastors of the Russian Orthodox Church, His Holiness the Patriarch was co-served by Archbishop Theofan of Korea, Administrator of the Kyzyl Diocese.
This year, on February 1 (January 19, Old Style), the feast of the Council of the Venerable Fathers—the founders of monasticism—and all the saints who shone forth in the land of Egypt was celebrated for the first time. This feast was established by the decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on October 30, 2025 (Minutes No. 101).
The liturgical hymns were performed by the choir of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior (directed by I. B. Tolkachev), the clergy choir of the Moscow Metropolitanate under the direction of Priest Sergiy Golev, and the Vsekhsvyatsky men’s choir (Minsk) under the direction of Dmitry Tokmakov.
The Patriarchal service was broadcast live on the Soyuz and Spas television channels, as well as on the official website of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarchia.ru.
During the litany of fervent supplication, special petitions were offered for Holy Rus’, as well as petitions for His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, now celebrated, and the Russian Orthodox Church under his leadership. Metropolitan Juvenaly read a prayer for the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. His Holiness also offered a prayer for Holy Rus’.
Metropolitan Constantine of Cairo and North Africa delivered the sermon before Communion.
Following the Liturgy, after the singing of “Many Years,” Metropolitan Gregory of Voskresensk read out a congratulatory address from members of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on the 17th anniversary of his enthronement. Metropolitan Gregory presented His Holiness with an icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria” and a bouquet of white roses.
His Holiness also received congratulations from I. O. Shchegolev, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Central Federal District, and M. M. Mishustin, Chairman of the Russian Government, whose congratulations were read out by D. N. Chernyshenko, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government.
The Primate of the Russian Church addressed the participants of the solemn service with a Primate’s address.
Then, church awards were presented. By decree of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, in recognition of his diligent work and in connection with his 50th birthday, Archbishop Feofan of Korea, Administrator of the Kyzyl Diocese, was awarded the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov, 3rd Class.
In conclusion, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill addressed the participants of the service, noting that the joint prayer of the archpastors strengthens the unity of the Church and the awareness of responsibility for serving God and the people.
A reception was held to mark the 17th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.
Press Service of the Korean Diocese
based on materials from the website of the Press Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’
