Patriarch Kirill released white pigeons on the feast of the Annunciation

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia traditionally released pigeons into the sky in honor of the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The ceremony took place on April 7 near the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.

Also earlier, the patriarch held a festive liturgy, RIA Novosti reports.

The Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on April 7, nine months before the Birth of Christ. On this day, believers remember the evangelical event when the archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary the birth of the Son of God.

The Annunciation is coming: the most powerful prayers that bring protection and help from above

On this day, Orthodox Christians pray to the Mother of God for recovery from illness and family well-being.

On April 4, Patriarch Kirill named the Vladimir and Donskoy icons as the main shrines. He also expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova and the staff of the Tretyakov Gallery for their assistance in returning the shrines.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.