December 3, 2024. On the eve of the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary into the Temple, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan led the All-Night Vigil at the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty.
The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan was joined in the service by the auxiliary bishops of the Astana Diocese—Bishop Claudian of Taldykorgan and Bishop Benjamin of Talgar; Archimandrite Ioann (Sazonov), Spiritual Father of the Almaty Diocese; Protopriest Alexander Suvorov, Dean of the Ascension Cathedral and Head of the Metropolitan District’s Public Relations Department; Protopriest Eugene Ivanov, Acting Rector of the Almaty Theological Seminary and Head of the Metropolitan District’s Information and Publishing Department; and the clergy of the Cathedral.
The hymns were performed by the choir of the Metropolitan District (directed by V. Dudareva) and the choir of the Ascension Cathedral (directed by N. Zubrevich).
During the Great Vespers, according to the Church Typikon, a litia (fervent prayer) was held, accompanied by the blessing of bread, wine, wheat, and oil.
At Matins, following the reading of the Gospel, Metropolitan Alexander addressed the congregation with a sermon, explaining the spiritual significance and meaning of the event celebrated for Orthodox Christians.
During the chanting of the canon, worshipers were anointed with blessed oil.
For the first time during the All-Night Vigil, according to the liturgical Typikon, the irmoi of the Nativity Canon, “Christ is Born—Glorify Him!” were sung.
On the day of the feast itself, the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty, starting at 8:30 AM.
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