On April 14, 2025, Holy Monday, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia presided over a prayer service marking the beginning of the Holy Chrism (Myrrh) preparation rite at the Small Cathedral of the Donskoy Stavropegial Monastery in Moscow.
Following the Lesser Blessing of the Waters, Patriarch Kirill blessed the holy chrism ingredients — water, wine, oil, and spices — and poured them into a specially prepared cauldron. Holding a trikirion (three-branched candlestick), he lit the special firewood under the chrism-making stove.
He then read the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew, after which two deacons began stirring the mixture in the cauldron using special paddles. The entire rite will continue over several days with the continuous reading of the Four Gospels.
The Holy Chrism will be consecrated on Holy Thursday at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Approximately 300 liters of chrism are being prepared this year, composed of over 100 fragrant ingredients, including plant-based oils, herbs, and resins, to be used for sacraments, church consecrations, and the blessing of altar cloths (antimins).
Source: Patriarchate of Moscow / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
