The plot of this opera by the Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov is based on the novel “Christmas Eve” by Nikolai Gogol. The libretto was authored by the composer himself, who wrote his opera in the style of a fairy tale, enriching it with imaginary elements, as well as including in the libretto ancient pagan sayings with which Russian peasant household rituals were particularly rich.
“Christmas Eve” was premiered on November 28, 1895, at the Mariinsky Theater.
The descent of the Holy Spirit on the Holy Gifts and their transmutation into Christ’s Body and Blood. Commemoration of universal and national saints, spiritual and secular leaders, the whole company of the faithful, both the living and the departed, during the Divine Liturgy, and the spiritual union of the Church. The Divine Liturgy as thanksgiving to the Lord.
- Speaker: Fr. David Gishyan
- Host: Deacon Vardan Aslanyan
