NEW YORK: 23 November 2022
The visit of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" to the Canadian Diocese ends

After the conclusion of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in New York in late September, 2022, the main holy relic of the Russian diaspora, the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign,” was sent to the Canadian Diocese. The icon has traveled there since then, visiting its parishes and communities.

On Monday morning, 21 November, 2022, the feast day of Archangel Michael and the Heavenly Hosts, Archpriest Oleg Mironov, Rector of St Xenia the Blessed Church in Kanata, ON, (near Ottawa), and Archpriest Alexis Pjawka, Secretary of the Diocesan Administration in Canada and Dean of Holy Virgin Protection Memorial Church in Ottawa, ON, arrived at the Synodal residence of the First Hierarch of ROCOR in New York. The clerics returned the miracle-working Kursk-Root Icon to His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, expressing gratitude for the special blessing and mercy to the clergy and flock of His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada.

On Tuesday, 22 November, the Canadian clergymen prayed during Divine Liturgy, after which they were received by Metropolitan Nicholas, who hosted a reception for the visitors. During the friendly conversation, the visitors reported[no1] on the life of the Canadian Diocese.

After the meal, Fr Oleg and Fr Alexis embarked on their return trip.