Patronal feast of the Elias Church in the city of Kirovtranslated

On August 2, 2026, the Elias Church in the city of Kirov celebrated its patronal feast day. At the end of the Liturgy, during a procession of the cross, the restored street icon of the Archangel Michael of God was consecrated. On the eve of the patronal feast, an all-night vigil was held. The Day of Elijah the Prophet is not only a great holiday for the Orthodox, but also a special event in the life of the workers of the LEPSE plant. Exactly 23 years ago the church was built and consecrated. Since then, Elijah the Prophet has been considered the patron of the plant. The Divine Liturgy was performed by the rector of the church, Priest Sergius Zhernakov, co-served by the supernumerary cleric, Archpriest Alexander Bakharevsky. The confession was received by the cleric of the Elias Church, Archpriest John Sitnikov. At the end of the Liturgy, during the religious procession, the restored street icon of the Archangel Michael was consecrated. In the 23 years since the consecration of the church, the icon has become very dilapidated due to weather conditions. In the Orthodox tradition, Archangel Michael is revered as the heavenly patron of the Russian army.

The image of Archangel Michael on a horse is not just an artistic device, but a deep symbol that reveals his role as the leader of the heavenly army fighting the forces of evil. Believers...