On the eve of the celebration of the Nativity of John the Baptist, Metropolitan Alexy celebrated an all-night vigil at St. Simeon's Cathedraltranslated

On the eve of the celebration of the Nativity of the venerable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John, Metropolitan Alexy of Chelyabinsk and Miass celebrated an all-night vigil with lithium in the St. Simeon Cathedral.

The ruling bishop was co-served by the clergy of the cathedral, led by the clergyman, Archpriest Vladimir Manichev.

For the parish of St. Simeon's Cathedral, the holiday is patronal: the baptismal temple on its territory is consecrated in honor of John the Baptist.

The clergy read an akathist to the honest, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John.

During the service, an excerpt from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:24-25, 57-68, 76, 80) was read, which tells how, according to the prediction of the Archangel Gabriel, a son, John, is born to the wife of the high priest Zechariah Elizabeth. Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, says that the baby will be called the prophet of the Most High, for he will come before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.

During the reading of the canon, Bishop Alexy anointed the parishioners with blessed oil.

CPRO Chelyabinsk Diocese of Russian Orthodox Church. All rights reserved.