International cross procession to Pochaev leaves Volyn Region

International cross procession from Poland to Pochaev. Photo: Volyn Post

On July 31, 2019, an international religious procession, which begins in Poland, passing through Belarus and Volyn and finishes in Pochaev, entered the city of Gorokhov in the south of the Volyn region. It is reported by Volyn Post with reference to church resources.

Pilgrims were received by the priests of the Gorokhov deanery of the UOC together with the residents of the city.

Recall that in the winter and spring of 2019, the three deaneries of the Gorokhov District of the Volyn Region were most affected by the raider attacks of the OCU, so this year the organization of the international Orthodox cross procession was not only a resonant event, but also a sign of unity in faith from Orthodox parishioners of neighboring countries.

Thanks to the priests, residents of this region and local authorities managed to provide accommodation and support to more than 1300 pilgrims from Poland, Belarus and neighboring areas of Volyn.

The next day, a conciliar international liturgy was held, which was performed by the clergy of the Volyn Eparchy of the UOC together with the clergy of the Polish and Belarusian Orthodox Churches. There was a conciliar prayer for peace in Ukraine and for the unity of Orthodox Christians; a lot of people were able to take the sacrament of the Holy Communion.

After a pit-stop in Gorokhov, having thanked local residents for their warm welcome, the believers continued their journey to the Holy Assumption Pochaev Lavra.

Recall that the international procession from Poland to Pochaev in the Ternopol region has taken place for the seventh time.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.