Biliv Convent honors Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”
Bilivska Icon of the Mother of God "Seeking of the Lost". Photo: Metropolitan Anthony's Facebook page
On February 18, hierarchs of the UOC celebrated a solemn service at the women’s Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery in the village of Biliv, in the Rivne region, on the day of veneration of the Biliv Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost.” This was reported by the press service of the Rivne Eparchy.
The festal Divine Liturgy was led by Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, Metropolitan Pimen of Rivne and Ostroh, and Archbishop Amvrosiy of Zghurivka. Serving with the hierarchs were the secretary of the Rivne Eparchy, Archpriest Viktor Zemlianyi, the deans of the diocesan districts, clergy, and the monastery’s clerics.
Praying at the service were the abbesses of several monasteries, the superior of the convent, Abbess Alevtyna (Siruk) with the sisterhood, as well as numerous pilgrims.
During the Liturgy, special prayers were offered for an end to the war in Ukraine, for peace, and for the safe return of soldiers to their homes; prayers were also offered especially for those missing in action.
In Church tradition, there are recorded instances of help granted through prayers before the icon “Seeking the Lost,” when, through the intercession of the Mother of God, soldiers believed missing were found.
After the Gospel reading, Metropolitan Antony addressed the faithful with a sermon, recalling the history of the ancient image, known since the sixth century, and emphasizing: “Faith strengthens a person, prayer unites him with God, and suffering purifies the heart.”
The celebration concluded with a procession of the Cross from the new church to the ancient monastic church, where the wonderworking icon is kept.
As the UOJ previously reported, a new UOC church was consecrated in Pochapky, Rivne region.
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Biliv Convent honors Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”
At the Nativity of the Theotokos Convent of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC, the Divine Liturgy and a cross procession were celebrated on the feast day of the wonderworking image of the Mother of God.