Moscow worships gifts of Magi on Christmas Day

Christmas is one of the main festivals celebrated by Orthodox Christians around the world on January 6-7 overnight. The Russian Orthodox Church marks this holiday in accordance with the Julian calendar. Solemn worship ceremonies in honor of Christmas Day are also held in Jerusalem, Georgia and Serbian churches.

Patriarch Kirill headed Christmas Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. This year, Muscovites will have a chance to worship one of the most revered items - the gifts of the Magi.

The relic that has already been brought to Moscow is a part of most sacred treasures that wise men from the East presented to newborn baby Jesus. A delegation of Athos monastery monks brought to Russia three gold plates with a fine filigree ornament, to which frankincense and myrrh beads are attached with a silver thread.

It is the first time, when the treasures left the territory of Greece. Orthodox Russians will be able to worship the sacred gifts from the 7th to the 13th of January from 8:00 to 22:00.