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Day of the Prophet Elijah in Moscow
By
Aug 3, 2010, 12:52

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