Thousands of Orthodox Christians in Poland venerate Supraśl Icon of Theotokos

A religious procession during the celebrations in honor of the Supraśl Icon of the Mother of God. Photo: Polish Orthodox Church

On August 10, 2026, the celebrations in honor of the Suprasl Icon of the Mother of God "Hodegetria" concluded at the Supraśl Annunciation Monastery, drawing thousands of Orthodox faithful from Poland and other countries, reports the official website of the Polish Orthodox Church.

The monastery is located in the town of Supraśl in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, near Białystok. Many believers traveled there as part of traditional pilgrimages—on foot from Białystok and by kayak from Gródek. This year, for the first time, pilgrims from Estonia arrived for the celebration as part of an organized group.

The celebrations began on August 9 with an All-Night Vigil, led by Archbishop James of Białystok and Gdańsk. He was joined by hierarchs of the Polish Orthodox Church and Bishop Daniel of Tartu, Estonia. On the feast day, three Divine Liturgies were celebrated at the monastery, the main one taking place at an outdoor altar.

After the service, the traditional procession was held around the Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. During his sermon, Fr. Jan Fedorchuk spoke of the Mother of God as the intercessor of the faithful before God. Archbishop James also read out an address from Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland, who was unable to attend due to his health.

The monastery’s abbot, Bishop Andrew of Supraśl, thanked the clergy and pilgrims for taking part in the celebrations. He also noted that 2026 marks the 1,400th anniversary of the establishment of the Akathist to the Mother of God. At Supraśl Monastery, the Akathist is traditionally served every Wednesday before the venerated icon.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Dumenko and the ambassador to Poland sought mutual understanding between the countries.

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