Easter Matins in the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in the monastery of the same name in the Garden of Gethsemane was led by the Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission, Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky). Fr. Roman was concelebrated by the clergy of the monastery and pilgrims in holy orders.
At 12 o'clock midnight, while singing the stichera "Thy Resurrection of Christ the Savior", the clergy, sisters led by Abbess Elisabeth (Smelic) and the worshipers went out, under the ringing of the monastery bells, for the religious procession. Arriving at the closed gates of the temple, the sacred words “Christ is risen!” were first intoned.
Having entered the church, the service of Matins immediately began, where, during the singing of the canon, the clergy repeatedly announced the resurrection of Christ with the greeting - “Christ is Risen,” the sisters enthusiastically answered, “Truly He is Risen!” The clergy alternated with the monastery choir to sing the Easter canon.
Immediately after Matins the Divine Liturgy was served. At the service, the gospel narrative was read in six languages: Greek, Russian, Hebrew, Romanian, English and Church Slavonic. Communion was given from four chalices. After the prayer of the ambo, the artos were consecrated.
After the service, all those present broke their fast together at the monastery refectory.
After the service, all those present broke their fast together at the monastery refectory.
