Patriarch Kirill and Svetlana Medvedev release doves on Annunciation Day

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill and First Lady Svetlana Medvedev released white doves on Annunciation Day, which the Russian Orthodox Church celebrated on Thursday, April 7.

Russians used to release birds from cages and traps on Annunciation Day in line with an ancient tradition that was reinstated in 1995. The ritual is now practiced at many churches.

Annunciation Day is one of the Russian Orthodox Church’s 12 main holidays. This particular holiday is called on to glorify an event described by Luke - the day when Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and told her that she would give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the World.

Patriarch Kirill conducted a divine liturgy at the Moscow Kremlin’s Annunciation Cathedral.

First Lady Svetlana Medvedev attended the liturgy.

Svetlana Medvedev was the first to take the Holy Communion from the patriarch.

After the sermon, Patriarch Kirill and Svetlana Medvedev released white doves from the steps of the cathedral. The tradition was reinstated by Patriarch Alexy II and symbolizes the striving of the soul to rid itself of the shackles of sin and to reunite with heaven.