In preparation for the great and radiant feast of Christ’s Nativity, His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, issued a directive, in which he blesses churches to celebrate the Divine Liturgy every year on the very day of the feast with open Royal Doors.

A DIRECTIVE

Taking into consideration the particular missionary significance of the festal divine service, on the day of Christ’s Nativity every year, all churches of the Russian Orthodox Church are given a blessing to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with open Royal Doors until after the "Our Father..."

+KYRILL
Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia
December 21, 2014
№ У-01/209

Note: The Royal Doors are opened at the beginning of Liturgy, prior to "Blessed is the Kingdom," and remain open until just after "Peace be unto all" after the "Our Father."