Rivne Eparchy venerates "Life-Giver" Icon of Most Holy Theotokos

A religious procession with the miraculous icon around the monastery. Photo: UOC Information Center

On May 14, on the day of veneration of the miraculous icon "Life-Giver," hundreds of pilgrims from different regions of the country gathered at the Mezhyrich Monastery. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Clement of Nizhyn and Priluki, Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol, and Metropolitan Pimen of Rivne and Ostroh, reports the UOC Information Center.

The hierarchs were concelebrated by the monastery's abbot, Hegumen Theodore (Melnichuk), and clergy from several eparchies of the UOC. The icon of the Mother of God has a centuries-old history and is closely connected with the family of the Ostrogski princes. According to tradition, the Patriarch of Constantinople presented this shrine to Ukrainian lands back in the 14th century for zealous defense of Orthodoxy. Before military campaigns, the holy righteous Prince Konstanty Ostrogski always prayed before this icon for the intercession of the saint.

During the service, participants in the celebrations offered special prayers for peace in Ukraine and protection of Ukrainian warriors. The clergy and faithful also performed a memorial litany for the civilians who died on May 13 in Zdolbuniv as a result of shelling.

Metropolitan Clement, addressing those present with a sermon, reminded them that the greatest example of glorifying God was already given by the Most Pure Virgin herself through her humility, living faith, and the words "My soul magnifies the Lord."

The celebration concluded with a large procession with the miraculous icon around the monastery walls. The Mezhyrich Monastery has remained for centuries one of the most revered spiritual centers of Volyn, where pilgrims receive help and healing through prayers before the ancient icon.

As the UOJ reported, the Mezhyrich monastery celebrated the 30th anniversary of the monastery's restoration.

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