KURSK, RUSSIA: September 25, 2014
The Main Holy Icon of the Russian Church Abroad Arrives in Kursk-Root Hermitage

On late Tuesday, September 23, 2014, the miraculous Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" arrived in Kursk-Root Hermitage of the Most-Holy Mother of God. The icon was brought by a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, headed by His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany.
His Eminence Metropolitan German of Kursk and Rylsk, His Grace Bishop Paisy of Shchigrovsk and Manturovo, Hegumen Seraphim, Prior of Kursk-Root Hermitage, his monks and local clergymen were on hand to welcome the icon.

Despite the pouring rain, the holy icon went on a procession to the singing of its troparion and the peal of church bells to the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most-Holy Mother of God, where it was placed on an analogion adorned with flowers.

The archpastors and clergymen then performed a moleben before the Kursk-Root Icon, after which they prayer “My Most-Blessed Queen” was sung by the entire gathering of worshipers. Vladyka German congratulated the believers present on the joyous occasion of the visit of the icon to the Kursk Metropoliate, where it was originally found over 700 years ago.

Over the centuries, the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God saved the city of Kursk several times from the invasion of enemies, granting consolation and blessed protection during times of strife. Many blessings have been granted to the faithful through the icon, to those who prayed to the miracle-working icon, which is now the icon of the Russian Church Abroad, with which the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is now united. It is the “Hodigitria,” or guide, of the Russian diaspora, and performs a great mission by visiting many nations of the world, uniting Orthodox Christians, lending them support.

The head of the Kursk Metropoliate expressed his heartfelt thanks to the delegation of the Russian Church Abroad for this great joy experienced by all the Orthodox faithful of the Kursk region as they venerate this image of the Most-Holy Mother of God.

The archpastor of Kursk noted that beginning Septmeber 25 until October 4, the icon will remain at the cathedral for veneration.

Kursk Metropoliate