"From Andrew to Nicholas": the faithful of Rivne diocese of UOC hold 25-kilometer Cross Procession (PHOTO)

The traditional Cross Procession "From Andrew to Nicholas" was held in the Rivne diocese of the UOC, reports a UOJ correspondent.

The Cross Procession "From Andrew to Nicholas" ended directly at the source of St. Nicholas. The believers tasted the healing water, took it with them, and some even plunged into a living source, despite the winter cold.

On the day of Andrew the Primordial pilgrims were in met with the bell ringing in Zdolbuniv. Having taken banners and crosses into the Church, the believers attended the thanksgiving service and left for their homes.

And already the following week, on December 19, at 7 o'clock in the morning, the faithful again gathered near the church in honor of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God in Zdolbuniv to go on a pilgrimage to the source of St. Nicholas. That day the village of Gilcha, where the shrine is situated, celebrated the feast day, therefore, all pilgrims had the opportunity to participate in the Divine Liturgy and commune the Holy Sacraments of Christ.

Traditionally, believers gather in Rivne near the Holy Resurrection Cathedral on St. Andrew's day – December 13, with banners and crosses they make a cross procession to the temple of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God in Zdolbuniv. Along the way, a distance of approximately 25 kilometers, cross walkers pray and sing Christmas carols.

The pilgrims’ route runs through the city of Rivne, Kvasyliv village and the town of Zdolbuniv, so with every kilometer the number of people in the procession constantly increases.
The organizer of the Cross Procession, Vladimir, says that he does not want earthly glory, so he does not mention his surname, only says that due to cross processions the earth is sanctified and purified from all the unholy and evil."

Two years ago Vladimir also initiated a monthly night procession around Rivne.

This is the third time the faithful of the UOC have gone on a pilgrimage to the source of St. Nicholas, located in the village of Gilcha, Zdolbuniv district, Rivne region.