Mass festivities on the occasion of Day of the
Prophet Elijah have begun in Red Square in Moscow Monday. The festivities are
timed to coincide with Paratroopers' Day celebrated on August 2 as the Prophet
Elijah is believed to be the Patron of Russian Airborne Troops which are
currently celebrating their 80th anniversary.
The double holiday includes an early prayer delivered in IIyinka street named
after St. Elijah, a liturgy to be delivered at the St. Elijah cathedral and a
religious procession, in which paratroopers will take part, that will move from
the St. Elijah cathedral to Lobnoye Mesto (place of execution) in Red Square.
The tradition to celebrate Day of St. Prophet Elijah in Red Square dates back
to the 17th century epoch of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich and Patriarch Filaret. In
2003 the old tradition was revived in a new form.
Photoreport by Michael Moiseev
