Penza, 7 January 2019. PenzaNews. Archbishop Seraphim of Penza and Nizhnelomovsk headed a Christmas service at the Uspensky Cathedral of Penza on the night of Monday, January 7.

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Orthodox Christians of different ages, including officials, gathered in the church.

When reading the postcommunion, archbishop Vladimir Olkhov announced the Christmas message of his Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia to believers.

On finishing the prayer behind the ambo, head of the Penza metropole headed singing of a troparion, kondak and feast of the Nativity.

Addressing those present after the liturgy, archbishop Seraphim congratulated Penza citizens on the holiday.

"Christmas brought light to the world, warmed hearts of millions of people who believed in Christ. Nowadays, when we celebrate the holiday every year, the event warms the hearts of all of us. I wish Christmas should bright light and joy to your families, strengthen all of us on the Christian way," he said.

The archbishop drew attention to the fact that representatives of the authorities came to the service together with ordinary residents.

"We, Orthodox people, always pray for government, because it this was commanded to us in the Holy Scripture. All power comes from God. And, of course, we are well aware that a lot depends on the authorities," metropolitan Seraphim said.