“Do Not Weep for Me, Mother” Icon of Theotokos honored at Hoshcha Convent

The prayer procession at the Hoshcha Convent of the UOC. Photo: Rivne Eparchy

On June 19, 2026, a festive divine service was held at the Intercession Convent in the town of Hoshcha in honor of the “Do Not Weep for Me, Mother” Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, reports the press service of the Rivne Eparchy.

The Liturgy at the convent was led by Metropolitan Pimen of Rivne and Ostroh, concelebrated by the eparchy's secretary Archpriest Viktor Zemlianyi and the clergy of the Hoshcha Deanery. Numerous pilgrims, monastics, and parishioners gathered for prayer in the monastery church.

In his homily, the hierarch explained that the Virgin became the Mother of all humanity and shares in every sorrow, having herself endured suffering at the Cross. According to the metropolitan, today the Queen of Heaven especially responds to the prayers of mothers for their sons who are defending their homeland on the front line. “The Mother of God hears all those who turn to Her with love and faith,” the bishop emphasized.

During the Divine Liturgy, the faithful prayed to God for peace in Ukraine, assistance for prisoners, and the search for missing defenders. The celebration concluded with the traditional religious procession to the Chapel of the 2000th Anniversary of the Nativity of Christ, where priests held a prayer service and blessed water. Following the festivities, the monastery sisters organized a communal meal for all guests.

As the UOJ reported, hundreds of believers venerated the wonderworking Theotokos Icon at the Korets Monastery.

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