Easter

Easter celebrated on Russia’s Hmeimim base in Syria

Festive church service and procession were held on Easter night on the territory of the military base Hmeimim in Syria for the Russian Aerospace Forces, press service of the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

"The ringing of the Orthodox bell on the territory of the Russian air base, announcing resurrection of the Lord, was performed on the Syrian land for the first time," the press service said.

On Sunday, May 1, Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter - the main religious holiday of the year. The resurrection of Christ according to the Julian calendar is celebrated in about 70 countries around the world with Orthodox churches and communities.

Traditionally, the Easter service is held in Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the head of Russian Orthodox Church, leads the service broadcast live by federal television channels.

Community of more than 30,000 Russian Orthodox churches in total celebrate Easter in 68 countries around the world.