As Orthodox Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Easter, major television networks in Russia are gearing up for special broadcasts that will highlight both local and international Easter traditions. Channel One and the Orthodox television channel Soyuz are set to deliver extensive coverage of the Holy Week events, including live broadcasts from Jerusalem, where the revered Descent of the Holy Fire will take place on Great Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Channel One has announced a special holiday broadcast to honor Easter on the weekend of April 19 and 20. This year, viewers can look forward to a live broadcast from Jerusalem, where the Holy Fire is brought out of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a tradition that has been observed for over 1,500 years. The ceremony symbolizes the end of mourning and the beginning of the joyful celebration of Christ's Resurrection.
The broadcast from Jerusalem will begin at 1:00 PM Moscow time on April 19. Commentators for this significant event will include Father Andrey, Ritta Butova, and Sergey Pashkov. This live coverage is expected to attract thousands of viewers eager to witness this miraculous occurrence.
In addition to the live broadcast of the Descent of the Holy Fire, Channel One will air a series of informative programs and feature films throughout the Easter weekend. On April 19 at 10:50 AM, a documentary titled "Novodevichy Convent: The Hiding Place of Orthodox Shrines" will premiere, showcasing the history and significance of this renowned women's monastery in Moscow.
Later that day, at 12:15 PM, viewers can tune in for a documentary detailing the events surrounding the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where these pivotal moments in Christian history took place.
Following this, at 2:40 PM, Channel One will present the film "The Path of Christ," which explores the life of Jesus and the many questions that remain about his appearance and mannerisms, as the Gospels provide little detail on these aspects.
As evening approaches, the network will air the historical film "Viking" at 6:25 PM, which examines the complex period of early Russian statehood and the interplay between paganism and Christianity. This film, which won several Golden Eagle awards in 2018, features a star-studded cast and promises to deliver a gripping narrative.
On the night of April 19, the highlight of the Easter celebrations will be the live broadcast of the festive Easter service from the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, starting at 11:30 PM. This service will be led by prominent clergy, including commentator Nikolai Derzhavin, adding to the sense of reverence and celebration.
Meanwhile, the Orthodox television channel Soyuz will also broadcast live the main Easter services from Yekaterinburg, including the archierarchical liturgy performed by Metropolitan Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye Evgeny. This service will commence at 11:30 PM on April 19 and will be followed by the Great Easter Vespers at 4:00 PM on April 20, along with a city-wide Easter procession from the Holy Trinity Cathedral to the Church-on-the-Blood.
For those unable to watch on traditional television, both Channel One and Soyuz will provide streaming options on their respective websites and platforms like Rutube and VK Video, ensuring that the celebrations can be enjoyed by a broader audience.
As the celebrations unfold, thousands of pilgrims from across the globe will flock to Jerusalem to witness the Descent of the Holy Fire. This annual pilgrimage is a significant event for many Orthodox Christians, who seek to participate in the ceremony, light candles, and return home with a piece of the Holy Fire, symbolizing hope and renewal.
In Russia, the Holy Fire will be transported to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and 15 other churches in Moscow on the same day, with additional deliveries planned for various regions across the country. This tradition reinforces the connection between the faithful and the sacred events commemorated during Easter.
The live broadcasts and accompanying programming from both Channel One and Soyuz reflect the deep cultural and spiritual significance of Easter in Russia. As Orthodox Christians prepare for this holy time, the networks aim to provide a meaningful viewing experience that brings the essence of the celebrations into homes across the nation.
In conclusion, the upcoming Easter broadcasts promise to be a blend of tradition, spirituality, and community, allowing viewers to engage with the rich tapestry of Orthodox faith and its customs. With live coverage from Jerusalem and local services, audiences will have the opportunity to witness and participate in this joyous occasion.
