Kursk Root Icon Visits Parishes in Southern France
Bishop Irenei leads prayer service at historic Cannes church and celebrates feast of the “Joy of All Who Sorrow” icon in Menton.
CANNES — The wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign,” the most venerated relic of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), visited the Archangel Michael Church in Cannes on Nov. 5, 2025, where His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe led a prayer service surrounded by clergy and faithful from across the region.
After the service, the icon was carried in procession around the exterior of the church, which has been closed for several years due to ongoing property disputes. “Today, the Mother of God makes a special visitation to this beautiful coast, and to this historic temple where for more than a century prayers were raised to her Son,” Bishop Irenei told the assembled faithful. “Let it be out of fervent prayer… that divisions may be overcome by His mercy.”
The moment was one of deep consolation for the local community, who have been worshipping temporarily at the Chapelle de Notre Dame de l’Assomption in nearby Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Clergy and faithful joined in prayers “for unity in the faith, an increase in brotherly love, and a cessation to all hostilities currently plaguing the world.”
Following the visit, the Kursk-Root Icon traveled to the homes of parishioners in Cannes and Antibes, before being brought to Menton for the Feast of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” on Nov. 6.
At the festal Divine Liturgy in the Menton parish dedicated to that icon, Bishop Irenei was joined by Priest Evgeny Nikitin and Deacon Oleg Petrov, along with visiting clergy from Sanremo and Basel. The church was filled to capacity for the All-night Vigil and Liturgy, where the presence of the Kursk-Root Icon was felt as a special grace.
During the Little Entrance, Fr. Evgeny Nikitin was awarded the Gold Pectoral Cross on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops for his years of dedicated service. The faithful responded with joyful cries of, "Axios!"
Bishop Irenei awarding the Gold Cross to Priest Evgeny Nikitin. Photo: orthodox-europe.org
“To all Christians she is mother and intercessor; but to you who live in this parish dedicated to her honour, she is your special helper and heavenly aid," Bishop Irenei said in his closing remarks. "May you always rejoice in that help, and race to her in times of struggle and of joy!"
The celebration concluded with a parish banquet marking both the feast day and the 10th anniversary of Bishop Irenei’s episcopal consecration, continuing in a spirit of thanksgiving and unity.
Previously, UOJ reported that the miraculous Kursk Root icon is on a visit to Western Europe.
