Church celebrates the Feast of Pochaiv Icon of the Theotokos
All-Night Vigil on the eve of the feast of the Pochaiv Icon. Photo: Pochaiv Lavra
On August 5 (July 23 according to the Julian calendar), Orthodox Christians commemorate one of the most revered holy icons – the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God.
The Pochaiv Icon of the Theotokos became renowned in the 16th century at the Pochaiv Lavra. According to Church tradition, the icon was gifted to the Orthodox noblewoman Anna Goiska by the Greek Metropolitan Neophytos around the year 1559. After her brother Philip was miraculously healed of blindness, Anna gave the icon to the monks of the Pochaiv Monastery, where it became known for its many miracles.
The Pochaiv Icon belongs to the Eleusa ("Tenderness") iconographic type. In the image, the Mother of God is depicted with the Christ Child, Who lovingly presses His face against hers.
Today, the feast of the Pochaiv Icon is celebrated in many churches and monasteries. The most solemn celebrations take place at the Pochaiv Lavra, where the miracle-working icon is preserved. Faithful from all over the Orthodox world come here to pray before the sacred image.
Traditionally, pilgrims arrive at the Lavra in processions for the Pochaiv Icon Feast.
To recall, this year’s Volyn pilgrimage to Pochaiv included 1,800 pilgrims.
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