Holy Mount Athos, January 9, 2015
The brethren of the Russian St. Panteleimon’s Monastery on Mt. Athos celebrated the radiant feast of the Nativity of Christ with a solemn Liturgy on the night of January 6/7, reports the Afonit.info portal.
This feast on Holy Mount Athos, “abode of the Mother of God”, is honored with a special love and reverence from the most ancient times.
The brethren of the Russian Athonite monastery spent the Christmas Eve in strict fasting and prayer.
The festal service at the Holy Protection Cathedral of the St. Panteleimon’s Monastery by an ancient Athonite tradition was performed at night. The vigil service began at midnight and ended at about 7 AM, after which the Christmas Divine Liturgy was celebrated.
Over 100 pilgrims from Russia, the Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Greece, and other countries took part in the celebrations at the Athonite St. Panteleimon’s Monastery; most of them took Holy Communion on that day and thus honored the feast of the Birth of the Savior of the world.
After the service the holiday meal was arranged in the Russian St. Panteleimon’s Monastery for its brethren as well as numerous guests and pilgrims.
Solemn festal services were celebrated on that day in all other monasteries of Holy Mount Athos.
