Patriarch Kirill of Moscow to visit Ukraine from July 26 to 28

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow plans to visit Ukraine from July 26 to 28 to celebrate the 20 years of Metropolitan Vladimir of Kyiv’s enthroning and to mark the Day of Kyivan Rus’ Christianization.

“The visit will begin on July 26 and last until July 28. The Patriarch Kirill is expected to land at 10:00 am. He will immediately head to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra monastery to meet with Metropolitan Vladimir and attend a meeting of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Holy Synod,” said the spokesman for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow patriarchate Heorhiy Kovalenko.

“Traditionally, the Holy Synod convenes in Kiev during July visits,” he added.

The Holy Synod meeting will continue on July 27 at the end of which a press conference will be given, he continued.

A service will be given on Saint Vladimir’s Hill (Volodymyrska Hirka) followed by a reception at the Ukraine Palace to mark the 20 years of Metropolitan Vladimir’s enthroning.

A night’s vigil is to be conducted on the square in front of the Assumption Cathedral at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra monastery.

On July 28 Russia became Christian and Prince Vladimir became equal to the Apostles. To mark this day, Metropolitan Vladimir and Patriarch Kirill will partake in a divine liturgy on the square in front of the Assumption Cathedral at the Kiev-Pechersk Larva. The liturgy will broadcast live on Ukraine’s Channel One.

Representatives of 13 of the 15 local Orthodox churches will attend the festivities.