Church celebrates the Feast of Pochaiv Icon of the Theotokos
All-Night Vigil on the eve of the feast of the Pochaiv Icon. Photo: Pochaiv Lavra
On August 5 (July 23 according to the Julian calendar), Orthodox Christians commemorate one of the most revered holy icons – the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God.
The Pochaiv Icon of the Theotokos became renowned in the 16th century at the Pochaiv Lavra. According to Church tradition, the icon was gifted to the Orthodox noblewoman Anna Goiska by the Greek Metropolitan Neophytos around the year 1559. After her brother Philip was miraculously healed of blindness, Anna gave the icon to the monks of the Pochaiv Monastery, where it became known for its many miracles.
The Pochaiv Icon belongs to the Eleusa ("Tenderness") iconographic type. In the image, the Mother of God is depicted with the Christ Child, Who lovingly presses His face against hers.
Today, the feast of the Pochaiv Icon is celebrated in many churches and monasteries. The most solemn celebrations take place at the Pochaiv Lavra, where the miracle-working icon is preserved. Faithful from all over the Orthodox world come here to pray before the sacred image.
Traditionally, pilgrims arrive at the Lavra in processions for the Pochaiv Icon Feast.
To recall, this year’s Volyn pilgrimage to Pochaiv included 1,800 pilgrims.
Read also
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.