Rivne Eparchy launches pilgrimage procession to St. Anna Skete

A cross procession will take place with the miraculous icon of the Mother of God. Photo: Rivne Eparchy

A traditional motorized pilgrimage procession to the Skete of the Holy Righteous Anna in the village of Onyshkivtsi has begun in the Rivne Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, according to the eparchy’s press service.

On June 7, 2026, the Sunday of All Saints, clergy, monastics, and large numbers of faithful set out from the St. George Metochion of the Horodok St. Nicholas Convent. Participants are accompanying the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God “The Only Hope of the Despairing,” before which St. Amphilochius of Pochaiv once prayed.

Following a long-standing tradition, Orthodox Christians of Volyn make a pilgrimage with this revered icon to the Skete of St. Anna on the first Sunday after Pentecost, offering prayers for peace, well-being, and God’s help for the people of Ukraine.

Before departing, the faithful gathered for a prayer service. Special prayers were offered for an end to the war, for Ukraine’s defenders, for those who have lost loved ones and homes, and for all who are in need of support and consolation.

The eparchy noted that many of the participants are mothers, wives, and relatives of servicemen, who pray with particular fervor for their loved ones.

Abbess Mykhaila, the superior of the Horodok Monastery, recalled that processions with holy icons and relics have long been an important part of the spiritual life of Volyn.

“Today, as war continues in Ukraine, our land is in particular need of prayer. We have gathered together to ask the Lord for peace, protection for our soldiers, and God’s blessing upon the Ukrainian people,” the abbess said.

In previous years, pilgrims made the journey to the skete on foot. In recent years, however, the procession has been conducted as a motorcade due to security considerations.

As previously reported by the UOJ, faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Radyvyliv recently held their traditional procession for peace.

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