First Orthodox service in Azerbaijani language celebrated in Baku

An Orthodox service in the Azerbaijani language at the Cathedral of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women in Baku. Photo: Caliber.Az

On December 22, 2025, an Orthodox service in the Azerbaijani language was celebrated for the first time in history at the Cathedral of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women in Baku, reports Caliber.Az.

This historic service marked the culmination of many years of work translating prayer and liturgical texts into Azerbaijani. The translation project began in 2022 and was carried out by a special working group with the participation of clergy and laypeople.

In March 2024, an Orthodox prayer book in the Azerbaijani language was published, after which the work was expanded to include the texts of the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation, funeral services, as well as a number of akathists.

Alongside the translations, church chants were also adapted. The musical arrangement of the liturgical texts made it possible, for the first time, to conduct a full Orthodox liturgy in Azerbaijani with the participation of a choir.

The service was led by the rector of the cathedral, concelebrating with clergy. The cathedral choir performed the chants. Orthodox Azerbaijanis prayed in the church, for whom the opportunity to hear the service in their native language became an important and joyful spiritual event.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Albania, the authorities are turning an Orthodox church into a museum.

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