CATHODE OF THE ICON OF THEOTOKOS TO GETHSEMANE

On Sunday August 12/25, 2019, the ceremony of the Cathode of the icon of the Dormition of Theotokos started from the Metochion of Gethsemane, opposite the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and headed in procession to Theotokos’ Tomb in Gethsemane.

 This contrite ceremony started at dawn of the above day, at 5.00 am (summer time) in procession, led by the Hegoumen of Gethsemane Most Reverend Archbishop Dorotheos of Avela, who was carrying the icon in front of his chest, surrounded by Archbishops and other Hagiotaphite Fathers, with the long procession behind and in front of him with Priests, Monks and Nuns, as many Byzantine choir singers were chanting the hymns of the Dormition.

The procession stopped for prayers before the Holy Monasteries of St. Alexander Nefsky, Praitorion, The Ancestors of God and St. Stephen.

Concluding in Gethsemane, and at the Holy Shrine of Theotokos’ Tomb, there was a final prayer and the icon was placed behind Theotokos’ Tomb, in front of the icon of Platytera. This was followed by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, with the participation of thousands of faithful who venerated the sacred icon asking Theotokos’ intercession.  

From Secretariat-General