The well-attended and festive annual ceremony welcoming the Holy Flame to Russia has been cancelled this month, according to the news agency RIA Novosti. Instead, only a very low-key ceremony will held with a minimum of participants.
At the same time, the Foundation of Saint Andrew the First confirmed that the ceremony of the Holy Light at the Church of the Sepulcher will proceed as scheduled on Great and Holy Saturday, April 18, but without the presence of worshipers and pilgrims.