The celebration of the Nativity of Christ

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The celebration of the Nativity of Christ in the Church of Christ the Savior, Wellington.

On January 6, 2020, the all-night vigil was led by priest Aleksei Popkov. About 30 parishioners attended the service. According to the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church, the father Aleksei anointed everyone present with holy oil.
On the night of January 6th to January 7th, a divine liturgy was held in the church. About 20 people took communion. Some families came with children.
According to the decree of Metropolitan Hillarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, the celebration of the parish feast is postponed on the next Sunday. Therefore, on January 12th, a festive service was held in the church, led by the Dean of New Zealand Archpriest Vladimir Boikov with hieromonk Cyprian (Galkin), the clergyman of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ of Auckland, and the clergyman of the Church of Christ the Savior of Wellington Archpriest Aleksei Popkov served him. More than 50 people, including children, attended the service.
After the liturgy, a concert dedicated to the Nativity of Christ began in the parish hall. The concert was attended by children from the Sunday school, they read poetry, sang Christmas carols in Russian and English, and also performed various works on the piano. Father Aleksei and matushka Olga Popkova sang a few carols together. After that, Santa Claus congratulated everyone and gave all the children sweet gifts. Everything continued with a festive meal.

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