Ukraine: Naval Ensigns of Black Sea Fleet Ships Consecrate in Sevastopol Orthodox Churches

Festivities associated with the Day of St. Andrew the First Called and the St. Andrew’s Flag Day were held in Sevastopol. Main events took place in the city’s two central churches – St. Vladimir Cathedral and St. Nicholas Church at the cemetery where the city’s defenders are buried.

Archpriest of Sevastopol Sergius Khaliuta made a memorial service to St. Andrew in the chapel of Russian admirals at tombs of P. Nakhimov, M. Lazarev, V. Kornilov, and V. Istomin in the presence of members of Black Sea Fleet (BSF) Military Council and commanding staff.

When the service was over, the archpriest consecrated St. Andrew’s flags of BSF ships. The flag-consecration ritual was finished with parade of  BSF Honor Guard Company. After the holiday prayer service, St. Andrew flags of BSF ships were consecrated in St. Nicholas Church.

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Naval Today Staff, December 15, 2011