Faithful in Rakhiv celebrate Feast of the Lord’s Cross with procession
Religious procession in Rakhiv on the Feast of the Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. Photo: Khust Eparchy
On August 14, 2025, the Feast of the Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, Bishop Mark of Rakhiv, Vicar of the Khust Eparchy of the UOC, led the traditional procession of the cross through the streets of Rakhiv, the Khust Eparchy’s press service reported.
The eparchy reminded that the origins of this feast go back to ancient Constantinople. In the hot August days, when the city often suffered from epidemics, the holy relic – a part of the Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord – was brought out from the imperial treasury and carried through the streets, beseeching God’s protection and mercy.
“Following this ancient pious tradition, even today the faithful gather together to walk in a procession of the cross, offering prayers for peace and the salvation of people,” the statement said.
After the procession through the streets of Rakhiv, Bishop Mark held a litia for the departed soldiers at the city’s memorial alley and prayed for the Ukrainian state and its defenders.
The procession was held with the blessing of Metropolitan Mark of Khust and Vynohradiv.
As the UOJ previously reported, on August 14, the patronal feast of St. Anna’s Convent in Bukovyna was celebrated with a festive service.
Read also
Patriarch Bartholomew congratulates Patriarch Shio on his election
In his message of congratulations, Patriarch Bartholomew called for joint witness before the world within the framework of “pan-Orthodox unity.”
Most Holy Theotokos Belt to arrive in UOC's Mukachevo Eparchy
From May 17 to June 1, 2026, the faithful of Zakarpattia will have the opportunity to venerate one of Christianity’s great holy relics.
Scholars unveil restored 13th-century icon from Rivne region
Researchers have completed the restoration of the Hodegetria icon and are preparing it for an exhibition in Lviv.
Patriarch Daniel calls euthanasia unacceptable
The Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church stressed that medical workers are called to be “co-workers with God,” not accomplices in taking life.
European Union congratulates Patriarch Shio III on his election
The official EU Delegation in Georgia expressed hope in the spiritual wisdom of the new Primate.
Pope calls on Christians and Muslims to jointly “revive humanity”
Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics and Muslims to unite in helping the poor and combating spiritual apathy.