Pilgrims Gather on the Russian River to Honor the Kazan Icon

RUSSIAN RIVER, CA — On Saturday, July 19, the eve of the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, pilgrims from across ROCOR's Western American Diocese gathered at the Church of the Kazan Icon on the Russian River for a day of prayer and thanksgiving. His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America presided over the Divine Liturgy, joined by diocesan clergy, in a spirit of solemn reverence.

The faithful filled the church with prayer and hymns as incense rose before the beloved icon of the Theotokos, whose intercession has long been a source of hope and protection for Orthodox Christians. In his sermon, Hieromonk Peter (Karakozov) exhorted the faithful to renew their trust in God’s providence and to live their faith with conviction.

Following the Liturgy, the celebration continued with a festal procession encircling the temple, uniting clergy and laity in joyful devotion. Archbishop Kyrill then addressed the congregation, offering warm congratulations on the feast and reminding all present of the enduring power of the Mother of God’s intercession in the life of the Church.

This annual pilgrimage remains a cherished tradition in the Western American Diocese, drawing faithful to the Russian River each year to honor the miraculous Kazan Icon and to give thanks to the Queen of Heaven.

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