Wonderworking Kykkos Icon brought out on Cyprus for first time in 35 years

Procession with the Kykkos Miraculous Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

On November 22, 2025, the Stavropegial Monastery of Kykkos in the Troodos Mountains witnessed a historic event – the wonderworking Kykko Icon of the Mother of God was brought out in procession for the first time in 35 years. The holy image was taken out during an all-night vigil held from November 21 to 22 as the island continues to suffer from a prolonged drought, Orthodoxia News Agency reports.

The monastic brotherhood decided to hold an all-night prayer vigil, imploring the Mother of God to grant rain and deliver Cyprus from the consequences of many years of drought. The service began on the evening of November 21 and continued into the next day, culminating in a solemn procession with the wonderworking icon at 14:00.

The procession was led by Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tylliria, joined by Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos, the clergy of the Kykkos and Machairas monasteries, and thousands of pilgrims from across the island. The hymns were chanted by the monastery’s Byzantine choir.

It is emphasized that the procession of the icon is an extremely rare event – this was only the fourth time in history and the first since 1990. In previous centuries, the people of Cyprus often turned to the intercession of the “Rain-Bearing Mother of God” of Kykkos during times of drought and threats to the harvest.

In his homily, Metropolitan Nikiforos recalled miracles associated with the icon, including occasions when rain began almost immediately after prayers before the holy image. The archpastor expressed hope that, through the intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, the Lord will grant Cyprus long-awaited renewal of the land and relief from the drought.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a cross procession was held in Georgia in honor of Venerable Gabriel (Urgebadze).

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