In Odesa, a procession with the Kasperov Icon of the Virgin held

Procession with the Kasperov Icon of the Mother of God in Odesa. April 23, 2025. Photo: a video screenshot of the Odesa Eparchy.

On Bright Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Orthodox Odessa residents honored the Kasperov Icon of the Mother of God – the Heavenly Patroness of the Black Sea region. As reported by the press service of the Odessa Eparchy of the UOC before the feast, the Mother of God has been protecting Odesa and its residents via Her miraculous image for 200 years.

The eparchy's press service called on people to come and honor the holy icon, reminding that many miracles have occurred through prayers before it. In particular, they recalled how Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail conducted a procession with the Kasperov Icon at the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, which, according to many people, protected the residents of Odesa during those days.

“We remember how a missile destroyed our cathedral (the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, – Ed.), a copy of the icon was at the place of impact, and it remained completely intact. And there are many such miracles,” said Archdeacon Andriy Palchuk. “For 200 years, every Friday at eight in the morning, an akathist has been sung before the Kasperov Icon. And we must be grateful to the Mother of God for all the miracles. Because the war is not over, the Shahed drones are flying, and we need the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos more than ever.”

The festive Liturgy at the Dormition Cathedral of Odesa was led by Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail concelebrated by the hierarchs and clergy of the Odessa Eparchy.

After the Liturgy, the clerics and numerous believers held a procession and a prayer service before the miraculous Kasperov Icon.

As reported by the UOJ, on Bright Tuesday, Orthodox believers of Odesa honored the Iberian icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.

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