THE PROCESSION OF THE ICON OF THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS TO GETHSEMANE

Early in the morning at 5:00 a.m. (Summertime) August 12/25, 2022, the service of the procession of the sacred icon of the Dormition of the Theotokos was held, following a Holy Vigil, which was officiated by the Master of Ceremonies of the Patriarchate, Archimandrite Bartholomew. The icon is kept in the Metochion of Gethsemane, opposite the Church of the Resurrection.

The procession headed from the Metochion to Gethsemane through Via Dolorosa and after a prayer stop at the Russian monastery of Saint Alexander Nevsky, of Praetorium,  the shrine of the Holy Ancestors of God Joachim and of Anna and of the Holy First Martyr Stephen.

The Hegoumen of Gethsemane, His Eminence Metropolitan Joachim of Helenoupolis was carrying the holy icon before his chest, surrounded by Archbishops and Priests from the Patriarchate and from other Churches. At the same time, the procession was led by nuns and pilgrims on either side of the road, who were chanting the hymns of the Dormition.

Arriving in the courtyard of the Holy Church of the Dormition, the icon was brought to the centre of the Church through the steps with lit candles, a supplication was offered and it was placed southwest of the Theotokos Monument to remain there for worship until the 23rd August.

A Divine Liturgy followed with the participation of thousands of believers, presided over by His Eminence, Metropolitan Joachim of Hellenoupolis, with the co-celebration of Hieromonks of the parishes.

After the Divine Liturgy,  the Hegoumen hosted a fasting reception.

The Divine Liturgy was also celebrated at the celebratory chapel of the Holy Monastery of the Men of Galilee by His Eminence Archbishop Aristovoulos of Madaba.

From Secretariat-General