JERUSALEM: 27 October 2022
The feast day of St Chariton is celebrated in the Holy Land

On the day the Church commemorates Saint Chariton the Confessor, September 28/October 11, the patronal feast was solemnly celebrated at the place of his exploits at Wadi Faran.

On the eve of the feast Archimandrite Innokenty (Sereda) along with Hierodeacon Amphilochius (Mazur) held an all-night vigil in the cave church.

In the morning Monk Chariton, a resident of the monastery, greeted priests, monastics and laity visiting as pilgrims at the gate.

Among the pilgrims were nuns from the Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, Ein Karem and Bethany convents.

Divine Liturgies were served in both temples of the monastery. In the cave church of St. Chariton, the service was led by the head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission, Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky), with Fathers Innokenty and Amphilochius, along with Priest Nikolai Cragle from the Orthodox Church of America. In the lower church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, the cleric of the Mission – priest Roman Gultiaev served with pilgrims from Ukraine in holy orders. Many communicants received the Holy Mysteries. Also was celebrated the namesday of the builder of the monastery, Monk Chariton, with a word of gratitude from the Head of the Mission with the desire of God’s help to continue his exploits at the holy place.

At the end of the services, the clergy and laity gathered at the grave of St Chariton, where a moleben was served.

Afterwards, a festive meal was offered, prepared by the efforts of the sisters of the Convent of St. Mary Magdalene.

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