Procession to Pochaiv: first impressions

The cross procession entering the Pochaiv Lavra. Photo: UOJ

The annual religious procession from Kamianets-Podilskyi to the Pochaiv Lavra has concluded. As in previous years, the pilgrims covered nearly 300 kilometers in 7 days.

What are the first impressions?

1. There are a great many people. In 2026, the number of pilgrims reached approximately 35,000–40,000. The last time so many participants in the procession entered the Lavra was before the war. And this cannot help but be surprising, given that the country’s population itself has declined dramatically.

2. There are a great many young people. All the pilgrims have noted this. The proportion of young people and children has increased significantly.

3. No conflicts along the route and minimal media harassment. Just last year, police blocked the pilgrims’ path, while activists staged protests. In the first years of the war, there were also physical attacks. This year, there has been almost nothing of the sort.

Of course, any serious conclusions can only be drawn after some time. But even now it can be said that the authorities’ and the “patriotic” public’s relentless persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is producing the opposite results. More and more people are coming to churches, and more and more are joining religious processions. Yes, professional activists will continue to incite hatred against the Church. But it is already clear that the people have grown tired of hatred.

People need love and prayer.

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