The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

KURSK: October 2, 2018
A delegation of the Russian Church Abroad accompanies the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign” participates in feast-day celebrations at the Church of Holy Martyrs Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov and Their Mother Sophia

On September 30, 2018, the feast day of Holy Martyrs Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov and Their Mother Sophia, His Eminence Metropolitan German of Kursk and Rylsk and His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, who is leading a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, celebrated Divine Liturgy at a church dedicated to these saints in north-eastern Kursk, Russia.

The hierarchs were joined by Protopriest Andrei Ivanov, the parish rector and Secretary of the Kursk Diocesan Administration, Dean of the 2nd Deanery of Kursk; Protopriest Vladimir Monosilov, Dean of the 1st Deanery; Protopriest Vitaly Kireev, Rector of the Church of All Saints; Hieromonk Filipp (Sapronov); priests of the Russian Church Abroad and parish clerics.

The church was especially beautifully adorned for its feast day. Most of the worshipers partook of the Holy Gifts, including those celebrating their namesday and children.

A procession of the cross around the church and a moleben were then performed.

Metropolitan German delivered a sermon and congratulated the parishioners and those celebrating their namesday. The saints serve as an example to all of us of how to bear our cross, noting that this day is made special by the presence of the miracle-working Kursk-Root Icon. He thanked Vladyka Nicholas and the clergymen who brought the icon.

Bishop Nicholas then congratulated the congregation, noting that it has become a custom to pray at this parish on its feast day, as a splendid new church is under construction. He encouraged everyone to continue working towards the glory of God and to lift their prayers for their new House of God.

The archpastors then toured the construction site of the new church complex, the foundations of which were laid two years ago. The walls have already been erected and show the large size of the edifice.